How to replace the oil temperature sensor on most vehicles

The oil as well as the oil temperature sensor are critical to the engine's lubrication system. A faulty sensor can lead to leaks and poor vehicle performance.

Your car's internal combustion engine depends on oil to function. Pressurized engine oil is used to create a protective layer between moving parts, preventing them from coming into contact with each other. Without this layer, excess friction and heat will form. Simply put, oil is designed to provide protection both as a lubricant and as a coolant.

To provide this protection, the engine has an oil pump that takes the oil stored in the oil sump, builds up pressure, and delivers pressurized oil to several locations inside the engine through oil passages built into the engine components.

The ability of the oil to perform these functions will decrease as a result of several different factors. The motor heats up during operation and cools down when it is turned off. Over time, this thermal cycle will eventually cause the oil to lose its ability to lubricate and cool the engine. As the oil begins to decompose, small particles are formed that can clog oil passages. This is why the oil filter is tasked with drawing these particles out of the oil, and why there are recommended oil and filter change intervals.

Many vehicles designed for heavy duty or extreme conditions use an oil temperature sensor. These heavy vehicles tend to be subjected to more stress than average vehicles as a result of carrying heavier loads, working in more adverse conditions, operating in more mountainous terrain, or towing a trailer, which puts more stress on the vehicle and its components. .

The more intensively the car works, the higher the likelihood of an increase in oil temperature. This is why these vehicles usually have an auxiliary oil cooling system and an oil temperature gauge. The sensor uses the oil temperature sensor to communicate information that is displayed on the instrument cluster. This lets the driver know when the oil level is reaching an unsafe level and therefore loss of performance may occur.

There are several different ways to place this sensor and related components in a given vehicle, but this walkthrough has been written to be adaptable to a range of configurations. See below for instructions on how to replace the stock oil temperature sensor.

Part 1 of 1: Oil Temperature Sensor Replacement

Necessary materials

• Oil temperature sensor replacement
• Screwdriver Set
• Towel or cloth shop
• Socket set
• Thread sealant - in some cases
• Set of wrenches

Step 1. Locate the oil temperature sensor.. Locate the oil temperature sensor in the engine compartment. It is usually mounted either in the cylinder block or in the cylinder head.

Step 2 Disconnect the electrical connector from the oil temperature sensor.. Disconnect the electrical connector at the oil temperature sensor by releasing the retainer and pulling the connector away from the sensor.

It may be necessary to push and pull on the connector several times, as it tends to get stuck after being exposed to the elements under the hood.

• Functions: There may be some loss of oil when parts are removed from the oil system. It would be recommended to have a few laundry towels or rags to clean up any fluid loss.

Step 3: Remove the old oil temperature sensor. Use a suitable wrench or socket to remove the oil temperature sensor. Be aware that some oil loss is possible when the sensor is removed.

Step 4: Compare the new sensor with the old one. Compare the replaced oil temperature sensor with the removed sensor. They must have the same physical dimensions and the same type of electrical connector, and the threaded part must have the same diameter and thread pitch.

• Functions: Pay special attention to the removed oil temperature sensor. See if there is any thread sealant. If it is present, it usually means that the replacement will also require thread sealant at installation. Most new oil temperature sensors are supplied with thread sealant if required. If in any doubt, consult your workshop repair manual or see your mechanic for quick and detailed advice from one of our certified technicians.

Step 5: Install a new oil temperature sensor. After applying thread sealant if necessary, screw the replacement oil temperature sensor into place by hand.

After tightening the threads by hand, complete the tightening with an appropriate wrench or socket. Be careful not to overtighten it and damage the sensor or its assembly.

Step 6 Replace the electrical connector.. After tightening the oil temperature sensor, reconnect the electrical connector.

Make sure the connector is installed so that the retaining clip is engaged. Otherwise, the connector may become disconnected from engine vibration and damage the oil temperature sensor.

Step 7: Wipe up any lost oil. Take a minute to clean up the oil lost while replacing the oil temperature sensor. A little cleaning at this stage can later avoid a lot of unnecessary smoke from oil burning on a hot engine.

Step 8: Check the oil level. Check the engine oil level on the dipstick. In most cases, oil loss when replacing the oil temperature sensor will be negligible. However, if the sensor has been leaking for any period of time, it's worth taking a couple of minutes to check and make sure the oil level is at an acceptable level.

Step 9: Check the new oil temperature sensor.. At the recommended oil level, start the engine and let it run until it reaches operating temperature. While waiting for it to reach operating temperature, inspect the area around the repair site to make sure there are no leaks.

Since oil is the lifeblood of an engine, it is extremely important to keep it in good condition. Keeping an eye on oil temperature is just one way to do this. Maintaining this temperature in a range that minimizes the heat generated by the oil during braking is also key.

If at some point you feel that you cannot do without replacing the oil temperature sensor, contact a trusted specialist, for example, those available at AvtoTachki. AvtoTachki has trained and certified technicians who can come to your home or work and perform these repairs for you.