Hey guys, My car is throwing a CEL CODE 6, for the ECT coolant temp sensor. My temp guage on my cluster works fine, my vtec kicks in fine. I replaced the sensor with a new one and still a code 6. The only problem i get is a cold start. When the car has cool down or been sitting for a few hours. I have to hold the key in position for like 5-10 seconds for it to turn over. This only happens when its a cold start. Once its warm I can start it up no problem.

ECU is new, chipped and tuned by phearable.net

I had this code even b4 the new ecu.

any help please would be appreciated.

 

i had this happen with my h22a1 swap into my 92 hatch.

IT IS SO SIMPLE TO FIX!!! if you look at the Front housing where the top hose goes in there will be a switch there, keep going, u will see another thing that is a ONE wire plug(thats the part that makes the guage work) Then. after that, u should see a Gray sensor that will be unplugged, it is directly under the dist. That is the ECT, if it is unplugged, the ecu will think that the engine is runnin at -44*.. If it is plugged in and it is doing this then there may be a short or problem in the wiring. good luck man

 

Original post, which color sensor did you replace, yes, the ECT and the guage work off of different sensors and the radiator fan switch also.

EDIT: https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1558301

 

i replaced the ECT sensor right under the dizzy. 2 wires. not the single one

 

also when i replaced the ECT sensor, I didnt exactly install it. I just unplug the connector from the sensor in the motor and plugged it into the new one to see if the code would go away.

I just didnt want to go thru the trouble installing and finding out its not the sensor.

is that wrong? if so then i will install the new one into the motor. when i take out the old one will coolant pour out?

thanks

 

That test would be ok under certain circumstances but not yours, it needs to go into the coolant line so that it can sense the temperature change, the ECU is looking for a change over time. Screw it in an maybe your light will stay out, can you clear the code now.

 

thanks. Will coolant pour out when i go to change it? just need to know so i can be prepared.

Thanks duane

 

problem solved. no more CEL

It was the wiring, i used my multimeter and there is a break in the line somewhere, ran the wires directly from the ECU to the sensor and problem solved, returning the brand new ECT sensor i bought today.

 

Thanks for posting your fix, this will help others. Normally when the engine is cold, coolant may or may not come out of the hole when you remove the sensor, sometimes when the radiator cap is still on it will help keep fluid from flowing out, no air is getting in behind to push fluid out, I know this sounds strange but its true.

I change the ECT on Nissans just as part of preventive maintenance, they have a known history and they do not leak fluid, the sensor is also below the level of the radiator.