While you may not have had to ever replace the coolant temperature sensor on your Volkswagen, there is a very good chance that you have heard about other Volkswagen owners having to do it and what a pain the task can be.

Your Volkswagen has a coolant temperature sensor. This is also commonly referred to as the ECT sensor, which is Engine Coolant Temperature sensor. Even though it doesn’t sound like a very important part of your VW system, the ECT sensor actually has an effect on the fuel delivery, engine performance, and even the ignition timing.

Your Volkswagen’s ECT sensor is normally attached to the cylinder head or engine block. You will be able to find it next to the hottest flow of coolant in the engine. Depending upon the model of Volkswagen you are driving, there may even be more than one sensor on your engine. If this is the case, both coolant sensors will be placed in different locations that are not next to each other.

The coolant temperature sensor is always partially submerged in your engine’s coolant. The sensor will then take the data that it reads and send it to your Volkswagen’s CPU (or the main computer of your car). Your Volkswagen will then know whether it is running too cold or if it is too hot.

How to Tell if the Coolant Temperature Sensor is Failing

If your Volkswagen has a bad coolant temperature sensor, it has the potential to produce many different problems for you. After the sensor has failed, your engine will begin to lose the efficiency that you have come to love about your Volkswagen. Here are some of the most common symptoms that you can expect if your coolant temperature sensor is failing.

You Will Start to get Bad Gas Mileage

Once you have started your Volkswagen, the computer is going to use the data that it has received from the ECT sensor. If this sensor is failing, it can lead to an engine that is running-rich. This means that you will be using more fuel for the same amount of driving.

Your Engine Will Overheat

If the computer is not giving the correct readings from the ECT, your Volkswagen’s cooling fans will not come on. This means that you can expect your engine to overheat. Once this happens, you will no longer be able to drive it, as a hot engine can lead to catastrophic damage to your engine. If this is allowed to happen, what would have been a quick temperature sensor replacement will now be a complete engine replacement and an incredibly expensive bill.

Your Engine Can Stall

When your Volkswagen engine has warmed up, it is going to require more fuel to keep it running smoothly.  If there is no signal to the computer, it is not going to know to add the extra gas, meaning that your engine has the potential to stall out. This is a potentially dangerous situation, as you could stall when merging into traffic or when you need power to your car the most.

Can you still drive your Volkswagen with a bad coolant temperature sensor?

If you have experienced any of the above-mentioned symptoms or know for a fact that your coolant temperature sensor has failed or is in the process of failing, you will want to stop driving immediately. Call a tow truck and get your Volkswagen to a certified VW specialist to have the issue repaired immediately.

If you do decide to drive with a bad coolant temperature sensor, it can lead to your engine overheating and even bigger and more expensive problems for your engine.

Das European Autohaus Will Replace Your Coolant Temperature Sensor

If you think that your coolant temperature sensor needs to be replaced and are in the Spring, Houston, TX area, make an appointment at Das European Autohaus as soon as possible.  We are able to diagnose your Volkswagen problems and replace the coolant temperature sensor if necessary. We will get you back on the road again quickly so you can drive your VW with confidence. We look forward to earning your patronage for your future Volkswagen service center needs.