Where is the Engine Temperature Sensor located?

Tiny
TIMBURNS15330
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 CADILLAC CTS-V
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 36,000 MILES
First of all, this is a custom built restomod of a 1938 Cadillac. It has a all new custom frame, suspension, rearend, etc. And it has the engine from a 2011 CTSV. I have a stand alone wiring harness made for this engine from PSI. When I start the engine, it is difficult to start and the engine runs rough and smokes. When I put a scanner on it, no codes are thrown, however, the Engine Coolant Temp shows -40. From what I understand, that could be causing my issues. However, I'm not sure which sensor is the engine coolant sensor. Based on the harness, what I thought was the ECT sensor has three wires and three pins. So, I don't think that is correct. There's another two pin sensor that I thought might be the ECT sensor, but when I bought a new sensor, although it kind of fits, it doesn't snap on to the harness. So, I don't think that's correct either. My question is, where is the temperature sensor on my 2011 Cadillac CTSV engine?
Friday, May 23rd, 2025 AT 2:23 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,232 POSTS
-40 on a temperature sensor is normally an open circuit. It is a 2-pin thermistor circuit, A Yellow and a Tan the Tan is sensor ground and Yellow is the signal. The sensor is in the front corner of the left-hand head.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Friday, May 23rd, 2025 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
TIMBURNS15330
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Steve, you’re a genius! Thank you! I did find it. The guy who put my PSI harness had the connector for the temp sensor connected to the evap solenoid. Its kind of fit and I never questioned it. After your post, I traced it down and connected it to the temperature sensor and the engine runs fine! But the oil smells like gas, so another oil change is in my future. Thanks again!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 24th, 2025 AT 4:07 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,232 POSTS
Glad to hear you found it. Yeah, if it smells like gas it's got to go. You are welcome.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Sunday, May 25th, 2025 AT 6:19 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.