When your car is running, the engine is constantly producing heat. In order to prevent the engine from overheating, coolant is circulated through it and then back to the radiator where it is cooled off. The coolant temp sensor is what tells the car’s computer how hot the coolant is so that it can regulate the temperature of the engine.
This is an important question to ask because the coolant temp sensor plays a vital role in your car’s engine cooling system. Without it, your car could cause serious damage. So, It is very important to know this so that you can avoid any potential problems.
In this powerful article, you will know the consequences of what happens if you unplug the coolant temp sensor. You’ll be surprised at the results! and you will be able to make an informed decision. Keep reading to find out.
What Happens If You Unplug The Coolant Temp Sensor
When the engine coolant sensor is unplugged while the car is moving, it’s likely that the engine will stumble and sound harsh. Before starting the engine, unplugging the engine coolant temperature sensor may cause it not to start, which is more likely on a cold morning.
Unplugging the coolant temp sensor, the idle speed will increase. This is because the engine will think that the coolant temperature is lower than it actually is. As a result, the engine will run richer and the idle speed will increase. Even if the engine light might not turn on instantly, the PCM will record a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code). The engine fan may also be seen to frequently switch on and off.
Similarly, If you unplug the coolant temp sensor, the air-to-fuel mixture will get richer and black smoke may result. This is because the sensor monitors the temperature of the coolant and tells the computer how much fuel to inject. If it is unplugged, the computer will not receive this information and will therefore inject more fuel than necessary.
Before starting the engine, unplugging the engine coolant temperature sensor may cause it to not start, which is more likely in the morning when it is cold. The PCM will notice that the sensor is unplugged and has a default fueling technique for such a situation. A cold start in cooler conditions may result in the engine not starting because it is more of yet another method.
Your engine’s temperature won’t be known to the computer. In an effort to prevent your engine from overheating, many cars may turn on the engine fan high and may stop your air conditioning compressor to keep your engine from overheating. This is because the compressor makes the engine work harder and can cause it to overheat.
In conclusion, it is important to know what happens if you unplug the coolant temp sensor. If the engine is cold, it will take longer for the engine to warm up. You may notice black smoke coming from the tailpipe and smell raw gas since the engine will be running rich. Additionally, the engine may overheat since it will not be able to regulate its temperature properly. This can cause expensive repairs, so it’s best to avoid unplugging the sensor. If your engine is having trouble, take it to a mechanic to get it checked out.
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