How does the coolant temperature sensor work?

The coolant temperature sensor is a mechanism that is designed to make the DC voltage of the liquid temperature. Thanks to its information, it is possible to correct the main parameters that control the engine, depending on what its thermal state is.

The coolant temperature sensor is a unit powered by a working current that comes from a stabilized source of the control unit. Its output voltage can be adjusted. This depends on the temperature of the external environment. This is how the temperature sensor operates. If it increases, the output voltage of the sensor becomes larger.

It is worth mentioning how the coolant temperature sensor was designed. It consists of a metal casing that has a cylindrical head restraint. Inside it is a sensing element. Also in its complete set includes a tail plastic part with a two-pin plug.

How to install and install such a thing as a coolant sensor? This mechanism is installed on the engine, usually on the body of the block cylinder thermostat of the engine. And the air temperature sensor is placed on the receiver of the engine intake pipe. This mechanism is screwed into the threaded mounting hole, after which, by means of a sealant, the joint is sealed. To the wiring harness the sensor is connected by means of a two-pin socket with a latch. I would like to note that these mechanisms are polar according to the switching circuit, that is, the breakage state is equivalent to the reverse inclusion of the sensor.

There are several types of this mechanism. The most common type is a sensor of a cooling liquid - a thermistor. The resistance of such a mechanism changes if the temperature of the liquid also undergoes changes. Most often these are thermistors having a negative temperature coefficient. In them, the resistance decreases with increasing temperature and, conversely, becomes larger if the engine is cold. When it warms up - the resistance drops, when its temperature reaches a minimum - work commences.

Not every coolant temperature sensor has one function. Sometimes mechanisms with a dual function are used. That is, when the temperature reaches a certain level, the electronic control unit changes the voltage value so that the readings acquire a higher resolution.

Old machines also use other machines. Basically they have a switch with two positions. These sensors can only open or close at a specific temperature. In addition, they have a direct connection to the relay in order to be able to turn off and turn on the cooling fan. Or he sends a signal to the dashboard , and then the lamp begins to light, indicating that the signal is received. Similar sensors (which are single-wire) send a signal to the measuring device that is on the instrument panel .