How to Install the Coolant Temperature Sensor on 1993 Chevrolet 1500 Pickup
by Justin CuplerIn 1962, Chevrolet began using a "C" or "K" before the size as the name of the maker's full-sized pickups. The "C" in front of the size denotes a two-wheel-drive truck and a "K" indicates the truck is a four-wheel drive. The 1993 Chevrolet 1500 had five engine options ranging from as small as a 160-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 to a 230-horsepower, 7.4-liter V-8. All five engines used a small sensor, known as a coolant temperature sensor, to send the temperature reading of the coolant to the temperature gauge and the vehicle's computer. In all five engines, the sensor is in the same general vicinity, making replacement of the sensor nearly the same on all of the engines.
Step 1
Locate the coolant temperature sensor; the location depends on which engine your 1500 pickup has. The 4.3-liter's sensor is on the right cylinder head, beneath the rear of the exhaust manifold. On the 5.0- and 5.7-liter engines, the sensor is on the right cylinder head under the exhaust manifold. On the 6.2-liter engine, the sensor is on the right cylinder head, in front of the exhaust manifold. The 7.4-liter's sensor is found in the center of the right cylinder head, above the exhaust manifold.
Step 2
Position a drain pan under where the coolant sensor is. This catches any residual fluid that may be in the engine.
Step 3
Unplug the coolant temperature sensor wiring harness, by pulling up on the locking tab and pulling the harness from the sensor.
Step 4
Remove the sensor using a ratchet and a deep-well socket.
Step 5
Hand-tighten the coolant temperature sensor into the engine and tighten it to 17 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and a deep-well socket. Plug the wiring harness back into the rear of the sensor.
Step 6
Remove the radiator cap from the 1500 and start the truck's engine.
Step 7
Allow the engine to reach operating temperature and add 50-50 premixed coolant until the coolant level in the radiator reaches the base of the radiator filler neck.
Step 8
Close the radiator cap and shut the engine down.
Step 9
Allow the 1500 to cool off and check the coolant level in the coolant overflow bottle. Add 50-50 premixed coolant to the coolant overflow bottle until the level reaches between the "Min" and "Max" lines on the bottle.
References
Tips
- Take any old coolant to an automotive coolant recycling center. Many auto parts stores take coolant free of charge.
Things You'll Need
- Drain pan
- Ratchet
- Deep-well socket set
- Torque wrench
- 1 gallon 50-50 premix green coolant
Warnings
- Automotive coolant is highly toxic, so keep children and animals away from it.
Writer Bio
Justin Cupler is a professional writer who has been published on several websites including CarsDirect and Autos.com. Cupler has worked in the professional automotive repair field as a technician and a manager since 2000. He has a certificate in broadcast journalism from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Cupler is currently studying mechanical engineering at Saint Petersburg College.
