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Temperature sensors and thermostat on 2005 -intermittent check engine light

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by normannager, Mar 21, 2018.

  1. normannager

    normannager Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2007
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    I had check engine light come on and the dealer told me i needed new temperature sensors TWICE because there is a more than one temperature sensor. Then the check engine light came on again and they replaced the thermostat for free. I think the temperature sensor issue may have been bogus and it cost me about $1,700 to replace them.
    Now when the check engine light comes on usually with a change in the weather, the engine codes say there is still something wrong with the temperature sensors again. But the mechanics say thet can find nothing wrong.

    If I ignore the check engine light, it will eventually stop appearing, also with a change in the weather.

    Does anyone have the same experience with temperature related check engine light? Or have an explanation of what is happening?
     
  2. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2013
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    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    check your coolant level in the radiator.. you might be getting the check engine if its low.. also you might have moisture getting into the connector on the sensor when the weather changes.. when the light comes on try wiggling the wires and see if it goes out, could be a loose connection... its a 13 yr old car so the gremlins can be anywhere .post the error code if you can maybe someone can help that way... happy hunting
     
  3. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2016
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    Location:
    Lagos
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    $1700 for temperature sensors? That's ridiculous. You may have being swindled.

    Does your radiator fans come on, for instance when the engine is hot, that it needs cooling? If it does, automatically, your temperature sensor(which is called coolant temperature sensor) is functional. You only have one temperature sensor on that engine, and not two, since its not a V engine configuration like Nissan that has got two temperature sensors.

    Thermostat is a different component altogether. Its mounted on the side of the cylinder head, where the upper radiator goose hose connects. It might be stucked closed or so. Are you experiencing any overheating issues or what.

    Buy a scantool and get the car scanned yourself.
     
  4. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Aug 31, 2016
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    Location:
    Cornwall
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Was the diagnosis originally from a Toyota dealer's workshop, or just some non Prius mechanic?