How to Repair the Coolant Temperature Sensor in a 1985 Nissan Pickup

The first compact truck by Datsun -- later to be renamed Nissan -- was introduced in the United States in 1960, drawing a lot of attention as one of the first compact trucks on the market. It had a 1000-cc engine that produces 37 horsepower. The coolant temperature sensor on a 1985 Nissan pickup signals the engine temperature to the engine management computer. In turn, the computer adjusts the timing and fuel mixture. If you do not repair a malfunctioning sensor, the engine could ping, increase fuel consumption, burn out the converter, foul the spark plugs, and contaminate the oil with unburned fuel, which can damage the main bearings; it will also cause the computer to set a fault code and turn on the "check engine" light.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and locate the coolant temperature sensor on the passenger side of the intake manifold, just forward of the carburetor. Remove the air cleaner, using a wrench to remove the top nut. Unplug the sensor by squeezing the connector and pulling it straight off.

2

Remove the coolant temperature sensor with a wrench by turning it counterclockwise -- very little antifreeze (a few ounces) will be lost when the coolant sensor is extracted.

3

Wrap some Teflon tape around the threads of the new coolant temperature sensor. Thread the new sensor in clockwise, by hand, and finish tightening it snugly with the wrench. Do not over-tighten it.

4

Insert the electrical plug into the sensor. Install the air cleaner and tighten the nut.