How Do I Remove the Temperature Coolant Sensor on a 2002 Saturn SC1?

The temperature coolant sensor on the 2002 Saturn SC1 is now known as an Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS), since the implementation of the second phase of onboard diagnostics (OBD II). The ECTS transmits data to the engine control module to regulate the temperature of the engine during operation. When faulty, the ECTS can cause a variety of symptoms, such as hard starting, rough engine idle or overheating and can also trigger a diagnostic trouble code (which would engage the malfunction indicator lamp/service engine soon light).

Instructions

1

Open the hood and then remove the two front air dam retaining screws from the front engine rail using a ratchet and a 10 mm socket. Remove the air dam from the throttle body connection.

2

Apply the parking brake. Lift the front of the Saturn SC1 with a jack and then support it on jack stands placed under each front frame rail.

3

Remove the lower splash guard using a flat-head screwdriver to pop out the four pushpin retainers.

4

Place the engine coolant drain pan beneath the radiator petcock located at the bottom of the radiator. Turn the petcock a half-turn counterclockwise and drain about a qt. of antifreeze from the radiator. Return the petcock to the tightened position. Remove the drain pan and set it aside.

5

Locate the ECTS on the engine block just beneath the upper radiator hose connection. Disconnect the electrical wire harness from the ECTS by squeezing the harness cap attached to the ECTS with your fingers until you disengage the retaining lock.

6

Unscrew the ECTS from the engine block using the ratchet and a deep-well 13 mm socket.

7

Hand-thread the new-style brass replacement ECTS into the engine block and then tighten the sensor with the torquing ratchet set at 16 foot-pounds and the 13 mm deep-well socket.

8

Reattach the wire harness connector to the replacement ECTS.

9

Lower the Saturn and replace the air dam assembly.

10

Remove the coolant reservoir/radiator cap and pour the drained coolant from the drain pan into the reservoir. Replace the cap.