So I guess now that my brakes are fixed I'm looking at replacing the water temperature sensor. Before I do anything 1)Where is it? There is a big hose going from the radiator to the engine, and a small wire and what looks like a sensor below it, is that it?

and 2) Do i have to drain the coolant to get at this thing?

 

On a non turbo car...it's on the coolant overflow tank. Pull the tank up from it's holder and you'll see it on the bottom. I imagine you'll lose some fluid that's in the overflow tank, but not much.

Ken

 

Are you looking for the coolant level sensor or the actual coolant temperature sensor?

For the non-turbo:

The level sensor is under the reservoir.

The temperature sensor is where you said it was. Under the large hose on the engine. That's also where the thermostat is located.

I imagine it's the same for the turbo motor.

 

akem...thanks for clarifying the difference. All the while I was thinking of the coolant level sensor.

Ken

 

lol,He clearly stated water TEMPERATURE sensor.
you must have been too eager to help or had one too many,lol

 

haha No problem. I've made that same mistake too many times.

 

yeah its the temperature sensor. and i'm replacing the thermostat as well. will i have to drain the coolant? or can i maybe just drain a little? i don't really want or need to flush it because i just did that a week ago

 

My remedy : two gallons of ice cream. Just wash out the buckets when you're done and you're good to go. Draining and refill is easy like sunday morning that way.
I suspect you only need to get enough out to get the upper radiator hose empty.
Quart of Ben and jerry's?