Engine coolant temperature sensor

ALEX.GRIFFIN042892

MEMBER
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY
150,000 MILES

Okay, so my temperature sensor was not working so I decided to replace it, but the thing is that I could not find the exact sensor that my car uses. Which is the one that has 3 pins. My question is, can I install a sensor that only has 2 pins? Instead of 3 like this one?

4 Replies

ALEX.GRIFFIN042892

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Darn, I can't upload the images. But the one that my car uses has 3 pins and the one that I am asking if I can install has only 2 pins.

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Saturday, July 13th, 2019 AT 2:41 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
12,940 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros. No you cannot use the 2 pin sensor. They are entirely different in how they work and are not interchangeable. Which engine do you have the 2.4 or the 3.0?

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Saturday, July 13th, 2019 AT 4:37 AM

ALEX.GRIFFIN042892

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3 POSTS

I have the 2.4, but I can't find the 3 pin triangle or oval shape sensor and the connector pigtail either.

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Saturday, July 13th, 2019 AT 4:40 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
12,940 POSTS

Okay that sensor is:
Toyota part - 8942216010 or 8942222030,
Also used by Mazda as - KLK118840

For aftermarket try - BECK/ARNLEY 1580604 and NTK EF0089
RockAuto. Com has them if you cannot find them local.

The pigtail will probably need to be a salvage item, There isn't a part number listed for a repair but if you use the sensor number and connector pigtail you might find it.

If you have the old part here is how to test it:

Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between terminal 1 and 2. Use a small pot of water and a thermometer. Start the test in room temperature water and then raise the water temperature to around 180 degrees.

Resistance:
Approx. 20°C (68°F) 2.29-2.6 kOhms
Approx. 80°C (176°F) 0.300 - 0.327 kOhms

What makes you think it isn't working?

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