Got a check engine light on my 2003 Ram 2500 with 5.7L Hemi over the
>weekend. I checked the ECM and got the code P0116, "Engine Coolant
>Temperature Circuit Range/Performance Problem." No other codes came up. >
>After a couple of hours on the Internets I've determined that I've got
>a faulty or shorting coolant temperature sensor.
Oh, and no chance of a stuck thermostat not allowing the truck to properly heat up?
They are relatively5.7L V-8: The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on the 5.7L engine is located under the air conditioning compressor (Fig. 12). It is installed into a water jacket at the front of the cylinder block.
>cheap and (it looks like) easy to replace, but I cannot find any info
>about where it is located on the 5.7L hemi engine or replacement
>procedures/warnings.
WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOVING THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.
You must unbolt the A/C compressor and carefully move it out of the way to replace the sensor. But check again that the sensor is defective or not, as there are other problems which will cause this code.
>I'd be much obliged if one of you kind souls can point me to any online
>diagrams and procedures for this job. What I was able to find did not
>seem to apply to this engine. Pictures would be helpful. "Behind and
>below the alternator" doesn't help because there seems to be a whole
>lot of other stuff packed in there.
>
>Also, is the truck safe to drive for a couple of days while I get the
>part and the time to replace it?
Probably OK to drive. Most commonly, if the Check Engine Light is steady on, it is OK to drive, but won't be effieient. If the Check Engine Light is blinking, do not drive!
>Many thanks,
>
>-Frank