Sensor location on 1993 Sonoma

I have a 93 Sonoma, 4.3 vinZ. Where is the coolant temp sender at? I have a non functioning temp gage on the dash (non digital). I replaced the sensor next to the thermostat housing (2 wire) that was in the water jacket, no change, but someone told me it was on the passenger side of the engine block (1 wire). If it is ideed on the side of the block, what sensor did I actually replace???

I have a 93 Sonoma, 4.3 vinZ. Where is the coolant temp sender at? I have a non functioning temp gage on the dash (non digital). I replaced the sensor next to the thermostat housing (2 wire) that was in the water jacket, no change, but someone told me it was on the passenger side of the engine block (1 wire). If it is ideed on the side of the block, what sensor did I actually replace???

The One by the thermostat is for the computer tempt reading.
Look on the side of cylinder head for a sending unit for dash tempt gauge.

Let us know what you find there.

I did indeed find the temp sensor on the passenger side of the engine. It is 1 wire. I will change it this weekend. It has 12 volts going to it. This is normal I assume? I was thinking about grounding the wire to see if it makes the gage move. Is this a good idea? Luckily I work at the local GM dealership and can hit the mechanics up for answers.

I did indeed find the temp sensor on the passenger side of the engine. It is 1 wire. I will change it this weekend. It has 12 volts going to it. This is normal I assume? I was thinking about grounding the wire to see if it makes the gage move. Is this a good idea? Luckily I work at the local GM dealership and can hit the mechanics up for answers.


NO. No. No.

It is never a good ide to direct ground a 12 volt power supply.

To test for gauge movement I use a ground threw a old type bulb test light and only long enought to see if gauge moves.

Let us know how it goes.

Actually I havent been able to change or do anything yet. The 2 wire sensor the dealer has says can be used as a 1 wire sensor. Does this make sense? Its really hard in the winter when you dont have a garage to work in.

So the reason to use a bulb is to provide a load I assume?

Actually I havent been able to change or do anything yet. The 2 wire sensor the dealer has says can be used as a 1 wire sensor. Does this make sense? Its really hard in the winter when you dont have a garage to work in.

So the reason to use a bulb is to provide a load I assume?

No way.:screwy:

One wire and 2 wire sensors are all different.

Switching them might even destroy PCM.

Tell that dealer he is full of it.:iceslolan:rofl:

Dont know what to do then. Cant seem to find a 1 wire sensor anywhere. Local parts stores, dealer, online, anywhere. If I cant then 1 option would be to mount an aftermarket coolant gage, but I prefer to keep it all stock looking. Any ideas where to get one? I am replacing the coolant sensor that is located on the right side of engine. Does this one still go through the PCM and not straight to the instrument cluster? I know the one next to the thermostat housing does, hence the 5 volts there. Not like the 12 volts on the side of the head.
Shure would appreciate any help you might give here.

Dont know what to do then. Cant seem to find a 1 wire sensor anywhere. Local parts stores, dealer, online, anywhere. If I cant then 1 option would be to mount an aftermarket coolant gage, but I prefer to keep it all stock looking. Any ideas where to get one? I am replacing the coolant sensor that is located on the right side of engine. Does this one still go through the PCM and not straight to the instrument cluster? I know the one next to the thermostat housing does, hence the 5 volts there. Not like the 12 volts on the side of the head.
Shure would appreciate any help you might give here.

First step is to test dash gauge as outlined in upper post.

If it is working.
Them find another GM parts dealer and give him your vin no and tell him you want the one wire tempt sensor for the dask gauge.

Or check your local parts places for one.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

Hoping its just the sensor because all the other gauges and even the lights work on the instrument cluster. Ill post when I get it checked.

Hoping its just the sensor because all the other gauges and even the lights work on the instrument cluster. Ill post when I get it checked.

A few minutes with.

A LITTLE PROPER TESTING WILL TELL.

Or you can just throw parts at it and hope for a fix.
Good luck

I finally fixed my dash temp gauge with a new sender and it works great. Also replaced the remote oil filter line from block to filter mount. New plugs are on tap also along with a relay rod and inner and outer tie rods on 1 side so I can get it lined up. Also need to replace 1 of the torsion bar mounts under the crossmember to fix trim height. Think Ill do the torsion bar mount first before getting it lined up though.

Finally got all the stuff fixed as stated in my last post.

I have the same truck and cannot find a single wire temp sender. Do you happen to have the part # you used to fix yours?
My email is: barefootdiver2000@yahoo.com

I have the same truck and cannot find a single wire temp sender. Do you happen to have the part # you used to fix yours?
My email is: barefootdiver2000@yahoo.com

Look on side of cylinder head.
Your local parts place should have a listing on tempt sensor for gauge.

I found the part at AutoZone. It is part # TU174 and was the single wire sensor.

sensor is 2 wire......a sender has 1 wire