I am going to be working on my monte in the next couple of days.

2000 Monte Carlo SS, 3.8L V6

I am going to be doing a coolant flush, change the thermostat, and the coolant sensor (for the gauge, not the computer).

I am pretty sure that I understand how to flush the coolant and change the thermostat. However, how do I change the coolant sensor? I am not even completely sure where it is located?

This is the sensor I am talking about

Thanks!

 

there is a coolant temp sensor and a level sensor.

the temp sensor should set either a code or have faulty temp reading on the dash if its no good.

the level sensor is held into the passenger side of the radiator close to the battery tray. there is a spring loaded wire retainer that needs to be removed and then the sensor just plugs into the rad with an o-ring to seal it. give it a little twist and pull action and it should come right out.

 

This is the sensor that I am talking about...is this the same that you are?

 

Plan to work on the car tomorrow...does anybody have any ideas? Thanks

 

That's the coolant temp sensor. It's located on the lower intake manifold just under the thermostat. All you have to do is take a wrench and unscrew it to remove it.

Just out of curiousity, why are you replacing the sensor?

 

That was the same question I was asking and yes that's the engine coolant temp sensor. I've driven 4 different gm cars/trucks and the sensor is the same on all of them and never had a bad one. And of all the cars I work on (1000's) I've only replaced 2 ECT sensors, one cuz a guy tried fixing something else and broke it and one cuz it went bad... with 450,000km's on it.

 

My temperature gauge stopped reading and the fan stays on for a couple of minutes after I turn off the engine...I had the codes ran and the code for the coolant thermostat came up, along with a couple of others.

I read on a couple of posts on here that people talked about a similar problem and replaced things like the coolant sensor and thermostat and said it fixed the problem....so I figured since they were both $10 parts each, and I needed a coolant flush anyways, I'd just replace them both, flush the coolant, and hope for the best.

I definitely appreciate your guys' help!

 

Those are fantastic reasons to do those things but DO NOT buy an aftermarket ECT sensor just buy the acdelco and do it once. If you did buy a delco that's a good price...get me one lol. If you use a 3/4" or 19mm deep socket that's what I use to remove/install ECT's. Good luck hope it goes well.

 

Just wanted to give an update...

We replaced the thermostat and coolant sensor today, as well as flushed the antifreeze. As of driving it earlier today a couple of times, the temperature gauge began working and still is as of yet.

Thanks everyone!