Few months ago i had a low coolant level error on my dash. I checked the coolant level but it was fine. I had a small leak in the radiator so i replaced that along with the coolant level sensor but the error has not gone away. I didn't give it much thought as car was running fine. Yesterday when i started it the fans went off loud and never turned off Even while driving. The fans would be very loud and the temp gauge took 3 times as long to get to the middle spot. I checked codes and came up with P0116 which lead to engine coolant temperature sensor. Do you think this sensor will make the car act like this? Its kind of an intermittent issue. Sounds normal some times. Thanks

 

It easily could. If it feels like there is a temperature sensor failure it probably defaults to assuming the engine is running hot. The extra air can really hamper engine warm up, especially in cooler climates. I dont have any info on that sensor, but sometimes you can use a meter to test the resistance of them. With that said the part is probably not expensive at all and it may be worth simply replacing it. Obviously if its intermittent check the connector first.

 

i have ordered a temperature sensor and should be in on the next day or two. Whats Wierd is the car seems to be running fine now with no fan noise. Sensor wires seems good too. Ill install it and see if the error message would at-least go away. Thanks for the reply

 

I have seen temp sensors fail in so many different ways including intermittent although that is rare. Keep us updated.

 

hoping its that. One less thing to worry about. Will update here when I install it.

 

so i installed the sensor today. Didnt make much of a difference and didn't get rid of the coolant sensor error on dash. Does a battery reset get rid of the code?

 

While you had it disconnected, did you check the plug pins/sockets and wires as loose connections can do the same thing.

 

i did. I double check all the wires but nothing seemed lose. Im beginning to think its the coolant reservoir float thats giving me the error. I might try to replace that and see as URO brand part is only $37 at rockauto. But car is running fine as before, just the error on screen. Does the fans turn on when starting engine at cold temperatures and continue to run at low speed? Mine turns on loud for a second and dies down to being very quiet but still runs. Doesnt make sense as to why fans would be needed at cold start

 

Your problem is the level float in the tank itself. I don't change the sensors anymore, its the float that is sticking.

New Tank and you are good to go.