Testing Temperature Sensors

With the sensor unplugged, there should be very close to 5 Volts at the harness with the key "on".
With an Ohmmeter, check the sensor resistance and compare it to the specification.

Temperature Sensor Testing

To test a temperature sensor you need an accurate Ohmmeter, and an accurate voltmeter. T-pins will
also be helpful for testing the circuit without damaging wiring or connections.

How to Perform the Temperature Sensor Tests:

1. Disconnect the two wire plug.

2. Using your Ohmmeter touch the meter leads to the pins inside the sensor.

3. Record the Ohms and check the temperature of the area around the sensor.

4. Compare the Ohm reading to the manufacturers specifications for the given temperature.

5. If not in the range given, replace the sensor.

6. If the sensor is in range, turn the meter to measure DC Volts.

7. Turn the key to the on position.

 8. Place the meter leads on the two terminals in the sensor harness plug. Do not jam the leads in
the plug as this will open up the female pins and cause a bad connection.

9. The meter should read very close to 5.0Volts.

10. If the meter reads 5.0 volts, the electrical circuit is good.

11. If the meter reads other than 5 volts, ground one meter lead and test the 5 volt reference wire.
It should read 5 volts. If it doesn’t you have a wiring or computer problem. Using the wiring
diagram check the pin at the computer that supplies the 5 volts. Use the T-pins to probe the
connector without damaging it. If you have 5 volts there, the wire is bad. If you do not have 5
volts coming out of the computer, the computer is bad.

12. To test the ground wire, power the meter on one lead and check the ground wire with the
other. If you are using a 12V power you should see 12V on the meter. If not, check the wiring
diagram to find where the wire is grounded. This wire may also ground thru the computer.
Check for a good ground where the wire is grounded. If there is a ground at this point, the wire
is bad. If not repair the ground.

13. Repair the fault.

14. Clear the trouble codes, road test and recheck to confirm the problem is fixed.

Service Tip: To check a temperature sensor out of the vehicle, place the sensor in a cup of ice and water.
Check the resistance against the chart at 32°F.