Coolant Temp Sensor for gauge

I bought a replacement coolant temp sensor for my 1997 Jimmy and it has a plastic plug-in type of connection with 2 leads in it. I went to replace it and the one on the car is a single wire connected with a slide connector(not the plastic plug) Following the wire up to the inline plug, it looks to be all original. I've been looking around for a replacement and they all have this 2 plug connection. Does anyone know what the deal is or if this second wire can be bypassed/ignored on the new sensor?

Thanks
Scott

Sounds like you got the wrong sensor.

There are two sensors, one for the computer, and one for the gauge in the dash.

The one for the dash is in the middle driver's side of the engine.

"The one for the dash is in the middle driver's side of the engine."

That's the location of the one I'm trying to replace. What would you call that one vs the computer sensor? The new sensor I've got and the one I keep asking for is called the coolant temp sensor. Should I be calling it something else?

Ok, is the connector that is going to the existing one will slide into the new one.

Will it connect?

No. Two different plugs. The new one has the plastic plug that clips on. The existing one has a metal single slide on connection(wire connection slides over metal male end on temp sensor about 1/8" thick, round). A lot fatter than the pins in the plastic plug.