Coolant temperature sensor connector 2000 to 2002

[rennpart]

Just reporting my findings.

I edited my post.

If you "tap" a 2 wire sensor on an original 4 wire DME/instrument cluster car the instrument cluster temps won't display properly (reads very low)- the additional 2 wires on the 4 wire sensor output different ohms for the dash gauge.

I ended up having to use the 4 wire sensor and run 2 new wires. One is a ground, and the other has to go to the black XR2 connector in the trunk. I ran the ground to the trunk as well and tapped into the original ground source just to be safe.

--Aaron

[Uwe]

Replaced 4-prong coolant temp sensor. No result.
So I poked around in the trunk last night checking "stuff" out, I might have found the cause for my malfunctioning coolant temperature gauge. Indeed there are 2 wires running into the forward facing trunk cavity. A brown wire and a blue/red wire, just hanging there outside any of the wire looms in the vicinity. Light tugging produced 2 app. 24in long wires, both cleanly severed from their bros in the engine bay. I suspect rodent damage. The wires would have been severed at the rear end of the engine near the trans, judging by the length that was left.
Wish I had thought of not just verifying its 4 wires, but actually following them to their destination while I had everything unbuttoned last week to replace water pump and thermostat.
I'll be really good at doing the top and carpet tango very soon, I fear.
I am reasonably sure that the wires belong to my temp gauge, not the (possessed by Satan himself) rodent.

[Dallas_986]

Originally Posted by rennpart

Just reporting my findings.

I edited my post.

If you "tap" a 2 wire sensor on an original 4 wire DME/instrument cluster car the instrument cluster temps won't display properly (reads very low)- the additional 2 wires on the 4 wire sensor output different ohms for the dash gauge.

I ended up having to use the 4 wire sensor and run 2 new wires. One is a ground, and the other has to go to the black XR2 connector in the trunk. I ran the ground to the trunk as well and tapped into the original ground source just to be safe.

--Aaron

Aaron,

I’m working through this exact same issue on my car that I replaced the engine on. Could you provide some more detail on how you connected onto the 4 pin temp sensor, got the two “original” wires to the 2 pin connector on the engine harness, and where/how the two “added” wires connect into the XR2 connector?

I’m competent enough with nuts and bolts to do the engine swap but electrical stuff is outside of my knowledge base. Thanks!

[Uwe]

My issue was caused by a rodent, most likely. Found several pieces of blue/red wire and brown wire cleanly severed. No rotating components in the area of damage. ran a new 2-wire loom from temps sensor to trunk, connected there and voila! Gauge now works. This after replacing the 4-wire sensor and cleaning the connector with de-oxit.

[redpepperracing]

Originally Posted by Uwe

My issue was caused by a rodent, most likely. Found several pieces of blue/red wire and brown wire cleanly severed. No rotating components in the area of damage. ran a new 2-wire loom from temps sensor to trunk, connected there and voila! Gauge now works. This after replacing the 4-wire sensor and cleaning the connector with de-oxit.

Nothing to add, other than to applaud the correct use and spelling of voila.