00 Monte Carlo Temp Sensor Bad?

Temperature gauge reads nothing. It never moves even after the car
has warmed up. Check Engine light is on but I am wondering if this is
because the temperature sensor may be bad. Also, the fan stays on
for a while after the car has been turned off. The car is running at
normal temp as far as I can tell. Any ideas ? Where is the temp
sensor located?
Tom

My 00 MC - same thing. I replaced the engine temp sensor twice. Finally figured out that the thermostat was not allowing the engine to heat up sufficiently. Replaced thermostat, reset codes, all is well. The temp sensor is not the problem.

Temperature gauge reads nothing. It never moves even after the car
has warmed up. Check Engine light is on but I am wondering if this is
because the temperature sensor may be bad. Also, the fan stays on
for a while after the car has been turned off. The car is running at
normal temp as far as I can tell. Any ideas ? Where is the temp
sensor located?
Tom

My 00 MC - same thing. I replaced the engine temp sensor twice. Finally figured out that the thermostat was not allowing the engine to heat up sufficiently. Replaced thermostat, reset codes, all is well. The temp sensor is not the problem.

First of all, if you are getting a light, for God's sake, pull the code to find out what it's trying to tell you. That's why it's there. once you know the code, the problem is usually very easy to find.

Sunnye-
I had the exact same problem and replaced the temp sensor to no avail. Dealer now is telling me that my temp gauge is bad. Is this the same solution you are facing too?

how's the heat in the car, take a while to warm up and isnt quite as hot?

Heat is pretty good, it takes awhile to warm up, but it has always done that. I put a new thermostat in it, but that didn't fix it either. Did that fix your problem montefan?

there are 2 sending units one is Collant Temp Sensor the othe ris a sending unit for the guage...make sure u check the sending unit...u can also rule out a bad guage by unplugging the wire from the sending unit and grounding it out, the guage should go all the way up

montecarlofan-where is the sensor for the gauge? i was looking for the sensor for the gauge but could only find the temp sensor located by the thermostat housing.

I have the same problem with my 2001 MC SS, and it looks like the temperature sensor is bad. I went to remove the current sensor to replace it, but there was no room to manuver a wrench to grip the sensor.

Is there a special tool needed to remove the temperature sensor? If not, what is the trick? Also, once the sensor is removed, will coolant spill everywhere? If so, is there a technique to prevent a spill?

Thanks for the help.

I think usually the temperature guage reads off the coolant sensor.


I have the same problem with my 2001 MC SS, and it looks like the temperature sensor is bad. I went to remove the current sensor to replace it, but there was no room to manuver a wrench to grip the sensor.

Is there a special tool needed to remove the temperature sensor? If not, what is the trick? Also, once the sensor is removed, will coolant spill everywhere? If so, is there a technique to prevent a spill?

Thanks for the help.[/quote]

If I'm recalling correctly you might be able to get a deep well socket with an extension on it. Coolant should not spill out too bad if the engine is cold.

maniac, i went thru the same thing, if u have an extension with a long socket it's better than a wrench. Otherwise you have a little bit more space if you remove the upper hose from the radiator and take off the thermostat housing, space is still limited, but u can move an open wrench just enough centimeters to get it going, u'll just need a lot of patience.

I have an 01 Monte Carlo and my temp sensor is bad as well. The car heats up fine and every once and awhile, the sensor works. It's not overheating and not throwing any codes, that I know of anyway. When the engine heats up, the transmission starts clunking between gears. Could the temp sensor be the issue regarding the transmission?

I have an 01 Monte Carlo and my temp sensor is bad as well. The car heats up fine and every once and awhile, the sensor works. It's not overheating and not throwing any codes, that I know of anyway. When the engine heats up, the transmission starts clunking between gears. Could the temp sensor be the issue regarding the transmission?
If the trans is clunking between gears it is not the temp sensor GM issued a tsb on that issue it is the solenoid inside the trans will need the sub frame dropped and solenoid changed to correct the condition also when it does this it will store a code in the computer but will not set a mil light

Also the Gauge not working is due to a stored code in the computer (cooling default mode) if the Computer gets a faulty reading from the temp sensor it sets the car to constant cooling mode Fans on all the time, and the gauge to off to indicate a issue , until the code is cleared it will not go back to normal operation even if you change the sensor.
so if this problem occurs replace the sender (and the thermostat if defective) clear the code and back to operation as usual.:banghead:

I had the same issue -- temp gauge not working, check engine light, and fans running after turning of the car. I replaced the coolant temp sensor (near thermostat) and the thermostat itself. Since you have to drain the coolant, they're near each other, and the thermo is cheap, I'd replace both while you're there just in case.