3.5l 2007 Aura xe, more questions after search. Coolant Temp gauge

[g3ride69]

3.5l 2007 Aura xe, more questions after search.
Coolant Temp gauge self checks at start up. (Goes to top and then back to bottom).
Then never moves.
I wanted to troubleshoot the wiring and sensor/sender for corrosion/loosenes but couldn't find any information specifically about the 3.5l.
#1 being location of what i believe is the coolant temperature "sender".

My engine data/manual specifically shows location on the 2.4 and 3.6, but not on the 3.5l

Here are my questions.

1. There are 2 coolant temperature sender/sensor's on the 3.5??
A. A sensor on the thermostat housing that sends information to the computer?
B. A sender located on the radiator that sends a signal to the temp gauge?
2. After verifying all pertinent and correct information in question 1.... Where is the specific location on the 3.5l of the sender/sensor that sends a signal to the temp gauge?

All replies are appreciated.
I appreciate you reading this far.
Randall

Also... If my pictures dont show properly, what is the best free image hosting?

[g3ride69]

Originally Posted by g3ride69

Also... If my pictures dont show properly, what is the best free image hosting?

Apparently my momento linking didnt work. Here is a direct link to the screenshots.
https://albums.memento.com/now46189
🤞🤞🤞

[fdryer]

Do these links help?

https://www.justanswer.com/car/1d73f...-location.html

2008 Saturn Aura XE 3.5 P0116 replace Engine Coolant ...
YouTube · The Ames Compound Productions
7 minutes, 50 seconds
Feb 5, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4bJNCb716Q

If you have a reader or scantool, see if it displays coolant temps at ignition on, engine off (cold) and after warm-up.

[g3ride69]

Originally Posted by fdryer

Do these links help?

https://www.justanswer.com/car/1d73f...-location.html

2008 Saturn Aura XE 3.5 P0116 replace Engine Coolant ...
YouTube · The Ames Compound Productions
7 minutes, 50 seconds
Feb 5, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4bJNCb716Q

If you have a reader or scantool, see if it displays coolant temps at ignition on, engine off (cold) and after warm-up.

That dude is a potty mouth .. but hilarious!

Yes, that helped me located that "coolant temperature sensor". I am now able to inspect that wiring. Thank you.

I probably could throw 15-30$ at it (+coolant), change that out and see if it fixes my issue. I am still trying to verify, before purchasing unnecessary parts, if this is in fact the sensor/sender that sends the signal to my gauge. I don't have any engine codes.

Thermostat and vehicle heat are operating properly.
My scanner does show coolant temp.

I appreciate your help... Did I, or am I, still missing something obvious?

[fdryer]

My apologies. I didn't watch the whole video, just scrolled thru it. It's unfortunate that some can't refrain from cursing when they know they're reaching a wide audience interested in diy repairs.

If you are comfortable with using a digital multimeter and electronics, search for how coolant sensors vary resistance; most are negative temperature coefficients, resistance changes inversely to temperature. A cold temperature sensor should have high resistance and as temps increase, resistance decreases. Easily seen in a resistance test; measuring sensor resistance with a cold engine, measuring again after warm-up. Immersing it in ice water then hot water. A temperature/resistance chart can be found for reference as these sensors are manufactured around the world and used in many applications outside of cooling systems (house/building thermostats, air temperature sensing for weather, etc).

Normal coolant sensors will be displayed on readers mimicking outside temperatures before startup and rise as the engine warms up for quick assessment.

[g3ride69]

Originally Posted by fdryer

My apologies. I didn't watch the whole video, just scrolled thru it. It's unfortunate that some can't refrain from cursing when they know they're reaching a wide audience interested in diy repairs.

If you are comfortable with using a digital multimeter and electronics, search for how coolant sensors vary resistance; most are negative temperature coefficients, resistance changes inversely to temperature. A cold temperature sensor should have high resistance and as temps increase, resistance decreases. Easily seen in a resistance test; measuring sensor resistance with a cold engine, measuring again after warm-up. Immersing it in ice water then hot water. A temperature/resistance chart can be found for reference as these sensors are manufactured around the world and used in many applications outside of cooling systems (house/building thermostats, air temperature sensing for weather, etc).

Normal coolant sensors will be displayed on readers mimicking outside temperatures before startup and rise as the engine warms up for quick assessment.

Basic Ohm testing is at the height of my electrical troubleshooting knowledge.
2 feet of snow and no garage just made everything harder.

Thank you for your in depth replies.
Randall

[imaddicted2u]

What temperature is is your scanner reading, when cold and when fully warmed up?

[imaddicted2u]

A sensor resistance vs temperature chart is located here...
https://workshop-manuals.com/saturn/...pecifications/

Sensor locations are shown here...
https://workshop-manuals.com/saturn/...ons/page_4363/

[g3ride69]

Originally Posted by imaddicted2u

A sensor resistance vs temperature chart is located here...
https://workshop-manuals.com/saturn/...pecifications/

Sensor locations are shown here...
https://workshop-manuals.com/saturn/...ons/page_4363/

A couple things about the workshop manuals link.
1. I absolutely appreciate and am thankful for a free resource to help figure things out.
2. The web page confirmed that the temp sensor for the computer is on the back right side of the motor. And from the video in a comment above I learned the other sender/sensor is on the left side of the motor (as seated). So yes this was helpful.
3. The web site darn near gave me an aneurysm. So difficult on phone and computer. When it wasn't crashing, then it was covering the material with multiple ads. I opened and searched from the link about 20 times using different methods. It was just plain difficult.

I appreciate your help and time along with the others who have posted/commented.
Thank you.
Randall

[g3ride69]

Originally Posted by imaddicted2u

What temperature is is your scanner reading, when cold and when fully warmed up?

I just verified that i had no codes and that my system was checking things properly.
My sister keeps my scanner in her Subaru because every 200-300 miles her cruise control stops working. Dealer wants to replace entire wiring harness.
As of now... She just resets codes and keeps driving.

The resistance/temp chart link was posted above.
So i do have that if needed in the future.

Thank you,
Randall