Coolant Temperature Sensor not seated ?

2007 JEEP LIBERTY
132,000 MILES • 3.7L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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PJM333
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2007 Jeep Liberty replacing Coolant Temperature Sensor but the connector does not click on / not seated. I had an old connector & CTS AND tried to connect out of car but still doesn’t click on. From the old connector I pulled out the rubber piece inside of connector (pictured) and now it clicks on / seated. Any ideas on what is wrong ? Thanks!

From the old connector I pulled out the rubber piece inside of connector (pictured) and now it clicks on / seated. Any ideas on what is wrong? Thanks
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Jul 19, 2025 at 6:31 AM
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STEVE W.
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That seal piece should stay with the plug on the wiring harness, not with the sensor. It slips onto it. Then apply a THIN coat of a silicone grease or spray and then it should slide in and the connector will lock.
Jul 19, 2025 at 7:05 AM
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PJM333
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Thanks for your reply, I did use grease but still will not click on. The only way it clicks on is after I removed the rubber piece from the connector ? Thanks again !
Jul 19, 2025 at 7:07 AM
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STEVE W.
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The new part might be defective then. Especially if it won't seat properly on 2 different connectors. The seal is there because the contacts tend to corrode from moisture.
Jul 19, 2025 at 7:29 AM
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PJM333
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Thanks for your help
Jul 19, 2025 at 7:42 AM
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STEVE W.
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You're welcome.
Jul 19, 2025 at 8:52 AM