ETC sensor

2008 SAAB 9-7X
65,000 MILES • 4.2L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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EDWARD L NOVION
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My temperature gauge randomly stops working and it shuts off the AC. I think it is the ETC sensor. Bought a new one but cannot get to the old one. I saw a wire on the back right side of the engine but could not follow it down. Am i in the right location?
I have also heard that it could be the thermostat. Any ideas on how to determine which one it is? Otherwise the car runs fine and no sign of overheating. It is very random and lately it will stay of for about five minutes then kicks back on.
Aug 15, 2017 at 8:43 PM
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STRAILER
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Hello,

The engine coolant temperature sensor looks like it is at the rear of the cylinder head. Here is a diagram (below) that shows the location:

Here is a guide to help you get an idea of what you are in for when changing the sensor:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken
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Aug 16, 2017 at 10:33 PM
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EDWARD L NOVION
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Ken, Thanks for the reply. I think you are right on the location. It is going to be very hard to get a wrench on it. I do not know if that is the problem or it is the thermostat or something else. I wanted to figure out the actual reason for the temperature gauge occasionally not working before changing the ECT sensor.
Aug 17, 2017 at 2:20 PM
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STRAILER
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9 times out of 10 its the sensor
Aug 18, 2017 at 12:28 PM
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EDWARD L NOVION
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Ruled out the thermostat. Went on a road trip and no overheating with temperature around 90.
Aug 25, 2017 at 10:03 AM
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STRAILER
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That's good to hear, is the problem solved or?
Aug 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM
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EDWARD L NOVION
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Finally had it replaced yesterday. Everything is working fine. Mechanic complained how hard it was to reach. That he will charge more next time.
Sep 9, 2017 at 8:29 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep, glad you got the problem fixed. Please use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Tell a friend please.

Cheers, Ken
Sep 9, 2017 at 11:00 AM
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EDWARD L NOVION
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Ken,
Spoke too soon. It stopped working again. Now I have to figure out what the real problem is.
Sep 11, 2017 at 12:33 AM
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STRAILER
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The only thing I can think of is a wiring or computer problem. Here is a guide and the engine and coolant sensor wiring diagrams so you can do some testing.

If everything checks out I would try to find a used engine computer and plug it in to see if it fixes the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Sep 11, 2017 at 11:20 AM