Where is the coolant temperature sensor located?

Tiny
JILLDELUNA
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 PONTIAC G6
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
I cannot find the location of the coolant temperature sensor.
Saturday, January 28th, 2023 AT 12:34 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,170 POSTS
Hi,

The engine coolant temperature sensor is located on the rear of the engine (near the firewall). If you look at pic 1 below, it shows the location.

The remaining pics are the directions for replacing the sensor. I don't know if you need them, but I thought I would add them just in case.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, January 28th, 2023 AT 10:18 PM
Tiny
JILLDELUNA
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Hopefully the new sensor fixes things.
I keep losing coolant. About a gallon a week. I’ve replaced one temp sensor already. The one in the front under the air intake. I burped the system. I replaced the relays. But, when I put the relay tester on the A/C fan worked, when I replaced the relay, the fan didn’t kick in. None of my fans are kicking in so it’s coming out the overflow. This makes me believe the problem is before the relay. So, I’m just working my way backwards from there and trying the obvious first. My heat and A/C work fine. And all the gauges seem to be okay, but it never gets hot. I usually just fill it up before it runs out. Short trips use more coolant (in town). Longer trips (10 miles) use less coolant. If you have any ideas, please shoot them my way. I don’t have anyone to help me so I’m learning as I go.
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Sunday, January 29th, 2023 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

If the engine doesn't overheat, I doubt it is the sensor.

I have two questions. First, you said the cooling fan was turned on when you used the relay tester. How does the relay tester work? Does it simply jump the pins in the relay box? If that is the case, you may have a ground issue. Also, a faulty relay.

Second, if the coolant is coming out of the overflow, does this start to happen when the engine is first started? I ask because it could indicate compressed air from a failing head gasket is getting into the cooling system and forcing it out. Take a look at this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, January 30th, 2023 AT 3:57 PM
Tiny
JILLDELUNA
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Hi, the relay tester plugs into the spot the relay does. Then the A/C fan turns on. The fan does not turn on after replacing the relay. I don’t lose coolant while idling. The shorter the trip the more I lose. I think the air from driving at higher speeds is helping to cool the engine since it’s pretty cold here. I checked my oil several times and there is no sign of coolant getting into the oil. I’m so tired of buying anti freeze and filling the overflow every 10 to 15 miles.
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Monday, January 30th, 2023 AT 5:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Have you already replaced the thermostat? Have you tested the radiator cap to make sure it is holding pressure?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, January 30th, 2023 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
JILLDELUNA
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I’m going to replace the thermostat next.
There is no radiator cap, but I did replace the cap on the reservoir/overflow tank. I’ll let you know how that turns out.
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Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

That sounds like a good plan. I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
JILLDELUNA
  • MEMBER
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Hi. Finally got it figured out. Turned out to be a $5 piece of plastic. The T-connector for the heater hoses and reservoir/overflow was cracked. That’s why it was always wet under the overflow. It finally got so bad I could see the anti-freeze spraying out. Thanks for all the suggestions. Just glad it was an easy fix and not anything serious.
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 AT 3:55 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear that both it was an easy fix and also, not an expensive one.

Good job in finding it.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 AT 6:52 PM

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