reamo04

i got a code today after starting the car for the first time in a week or so.
15 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit (signal voltage high, low temperature indicated)
we just rerouted my plug wires, and changed out my accessory bracket, so what could have caused this code to come up, how do i fix it?

shoebox

Maybe you left the sensor unplugged.

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#ect

reamo04

previously, i kept having the "low coolant" light showup, so i unplugged the sensor. Would that cause it? Otherwise, what other sensor could it be? The water pump one? We didnt mess with that. sorry, i read through that but it kind of confused me right now

is it possible that the coolant is just low? My car is still too warm to go check

reamo04

whats the best way to get to the water pump sensor without tearing everything out? I think i could have knocked it loose or something since we changed the accessory bracket

shoebox

The low coolant sensor would have nothing to do with it. The temp sensor on the water pump is easily reached from underneath. Make sure you did not smash the wiring with the accy bracket install.

reamo04

well, i believe i do have a problem with the wiring somewhere making it not read right, which is also making my car hard to start. Just gotta try to hunt it down now i guess. If its the sensor itself, what does it take to replace it?

JAB

You just unscrew the old one and screw the new one on. Do it quickly because you will lose coolant out the hole. Make sure before replacing it that you didn't bend the pins in the connector. I did this once and it wasn't getting a good connection.

http://shbox.com/1/temp_sensor1.jpg

reamo04

i found the sensor, and plugged it back in and it seemed to fit good. No pinched wires or anything, have to try starting it again i guess

JAB

My connector still felt like it fit fine also but the connectors on the pigtail were bent outward inside the connector and weren't making contact with the pins.

reamo04

what did u do to fix it? replace the pigtail?

JAB

I got a small screwdriver and bent them back in.

reamo04

tried that, no luck. What would my next step? Test the sensor itself or start tracing wires?

JAB

I would test the sensor via shoebox's guide he posted.