coolant temperature sender versus coolant temperature sensor

this applies to Ford, chevy, chrysler, dodge, nissan, toyota, etc earlier makes and models

how to know the difference between the function of a coolant temperature sensor versus sender

and if you want more certainty and within spec of OEM parts, then by OEM parts from the dealer, sometimes aftermarket parts are not always the best and not within the same spec and range.... in other words if you buy an aftermarket part does not always mean that it's better because it's new, but could make it run worse.

coolant temperature sender equals your gauge for you to see and know temperature, usually has a single spade or single threaded type end on sender to be connected by 1 wire.

coolant temperature sensor senses the temperature for the computer to adjust fuel trims when engine is cold or hot. If motor is cold the computer adjust to dump more fuel for warming up motor and when it reaches temperature it leans it out. a faulty temperature sensor can cause poor fuel economy no start or hard starting and is considered a major sensor and does not cost that much.

newer cars have multi-function sensors which will send to the instrument cluster your temperature and sends information to the computer, and usually on more complex vehicles have multiple sensors for coolant temperature heads cams... depending on your year, make, model

remember, sensors on the motor are made to last for about 1 million pulse widths or 5 to 7 years depending on driving habits, excluding O2 sensors which is roughly 30,000 to 80,000 miles. just because a sensor is not coding or saying there is a problem does not mean that has not gotten old and is giving false reads, or on the flip side if a sensor is not reading does not mean that the sensor is bad it may mean that it's got a bad or poor connection...

just like in life there are a lot of variables and you must make for certain you have the known factors before spending or throwing your money away.