Sensor ID

[Gmg0547]

Hey guys, I decided to change the spark plugs on an 05 Yukon I picked up a few months ago. It has 115k miles with a pretty thorough documented service history. As far as I know they have never been changed. It took about 4 hours but I got #1-7. It was more difficult then expected but I only broke one thing.

there is a little sensor right next to cylinder #1 the fell apart when I hit it with the wrench. Does anyone know what this sensor is? It's very small.

 

[Scottydoggs]

thats the coolant temp sensor. run ya like 10 bucks or so. coolant may leak out so dont be alarmed if she leaks some out.

 

[rockola1971]

Yep. In the diagrams it is usually called ECT (Engine Coolant Temp sensor). Its what tells your PCM and Instrument Cluster the temp of the engine. It screws directly into a coolant water jacket.

 

[Gmg0547]

Thanks guys! I took it out this morning to compare. Lost maybe a few cups of coolant. It came out pretty easy, just slow with no room to turn the wrench. I found AC Delco part number 213 4333 as a replacement.

 

[Alex_M]

Quick tip for anyone that comes along this in the future. Attach a shop-vac to your coolant reservoir when replacing your coolant temp sensor. It will pull air in through the hole while the coolant sensor is out allowing you to change the sensor with almost no coolant loss and no mess. You'll want the hole to be open for a minimal amount of time - 20/30 seconds - and you will only suck a very minimal amount of coolant into the shop vac. Usually less than a cup, and if your shop vac is clean you can just pour it back in. Seal the shop vac hose to the reservoir inlet with duck tape or electrical tape.

 

[Gmg0547]

Nice tip. I also found this file that points out other sensor locations. Could be pretty helpful In the future.

 

[Fless]

Nice tip. I also found this file that points out other sensor locations. Could be pretty helpful In the future.

Except that the GenIII engines are somewhat different (like the fuel pressure test connector, for one).

 

[Gmg0547]

Got the new part in. Took about 10 minutes start to finish. I didn't notice any drips or leaks and the temp gauge is reading right in the middle like before. Thanks again for the tips!

 

[Gmg0547]

I was able to get a better turn each round by coming in from the front of the engine rather then straight down. It was probably a good quarter turn compared to maybe a tenth from the top.