Engine coolant temperature sensor

2002 TOYOTA CAMRY
150,000 MILES
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ALEX.GRIFFIN042892
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okay, so my temperature sensor was not working so i decided to replace it, but the thing is that i could not find the exact sensor that my car uses. Which is the one that has 3 pins. My question is, can i install a sensor that only has 2 pins? instead of 3 like this one?
Jul 13, 2019 at 2:39 AM
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ALEX.GRIFFIN042892
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Darn, i can't upload the images. but the one that my car uses has 3 pins and the one that i am asking if i can install has only 2 pins.
Jul 13, 2019 at 2:41 AM
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STEVE W.
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Welcome to 2CarPros. No you cannot use the 2 pin sensor. They are entirely different in how they work and are not interchangeable. Which engine do you have the 2.4 or the 3.0?
Jul 13, 2019 at 4:37 AM
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ALEX.GRIFFIN042892
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i have the 2.4, but i can't find the 3 pin triangle or oval shape sensor and the connector pigtail either.
Jul 13, 2019 at 4:40 AM
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STEVE W.
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Okay that sensor is:
Toyota part - 8942216010 or 8942222030,
Also used by Mazda as - KLK118840

For aftermarket try - BECK/ARNLEY 1580604 and NTK EF0089
RockAuto.com has them if you cannot find them local.

The pigtail will probably need to be a salvage item, There isn't a part number listed for a repair but if you use the sensor number and connector pigtail you might find it.

If you have the old part here is how to test it:

Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between terminal 1 and 2. Use a small pot of water and a thermometer. Start the test in room temperature water and then raise the water temperature to around 180 degrees.

Resistance:
Approx. 20°C (68°F) 2.29-2.6 kOhms
Approx. 80°C (176°F) 0.300 - 0.327 kOhms

What makes you think it isn't working?
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Jul 13, 2019 at 7:04 AM