If I unplug the sensor and turn the ignition on, the gauge reads low (all the way to the left). If I short the lead (Still unplugged)to ground, the gauge reads high (all the way to the right). So I am confident I am dealing with the coolant sensor. It is just behind the alternator.
The service manual suggests the correct resistance should be between 10k and 13k at 70 degrees. The sensor reads 2k. I haven't checked the sensor with the engine warm. I know this seems backward and the gauge should read high, but 2k is not a normal reading, so I thought I would change out the sensor. By the way, the temperature gauge has read low since I bought the vehicle last year.
The only reason I am concerned is that I am still having stalling and backfiring problems and have replaced the catalytic converter, muffler, distributer cap and rotor, spark plugs, ignition wires, O2 sensor, fuel filter, air filter, and EGR valve. I have also checked for vacuum leaks. So I am trying to fix anything that is possibly related.
The backfiring occurs when I am driving at a constant highway speed and encounter a hill. As I gently apply more throttle to maintain the speed, the engine will briefly stall and backfire through the exhaust. If I let off the gas for a few seconds, the engine will begin to run smoothly and everything seems normal. On a 400 mile trip, this may happen 2-3 times.
Any ideas?
Thanks
TB> Are you sure that you are looking at the correct sensor? If the reading was
1) Temperature 'sending unit' which inputs to the dash gauge.
2) Coolant temperature 'sensor' which inputs to the PCM according to coolant temperature. Device #1 has nothing to do with engine operation other than to let you know if the engine is overheating, and it's not very good at that.
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