This procedure covers the replacement of the coolant temperature sensor on the 3.6L V6 engine, including partial coolant drain and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Coolant temperature sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• O-ring for coolant temperature sensor × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Open hood and locate the coolant temperature sensor on the driver side of the engine block, below the throttle body
4. Place drain pan under the drain petcock on the driver side of the radiator

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve cooling system pressure
   Slowly rotate the radiator cap counterclockwise to the first detent and allow any residual pressure to escape. Wait until all hissing stops, then continue rotating to fully remove the cap.
2. 2

   Drain coolant below sensor level
   Open the radiator drain petcock by turning counterclockwise using hand pressure only. Drain approximately 1-2 quarts of coolant into the drain pan until the coolant level is below the sensor location on the engine block. Close the petcock hand-tight.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the coolant temperature sensor. Press the red safety tab and pull the connector straight off the sensor. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
4. 4

   Remove coolant temperature sensor
   Using a 19mm deep socket, carefully turn the sensor counterclockwise to remove it from the engine block. Have a shop towel ready to catch any residual coolant that may spill. Inspect the sensor bore in the engine block for debris or damage.
   ⚠If the sensor is difficult to turn, do not force it. Apply light penetrating oil and wait 10 minutes, then retry with gentle pressure to avoid breaking the sensor body.
5. 5

   Prepare new sensor
   Remove the new coolant temperature sensor from packaging. Verify the new o-ring is properly seated in the sensor groove. Lightly coat the o-ring with fresh coolant to aid installation. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on the o-ring.
6. 6

   Install new sensor
   Thread the new sensor into the engine block by hand, ensuring it starts straight and turns smoothly. Once hand-tight, use the 19mm deep socket to snug the sensor. The sensor should be torqued to 12-15 ft-lbs (16-20 Nm). Do not overtighten as this may crack the sensor housing or damage the threads.
7. 7

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector onto the new sensor until it clicks into place. Verify the red safety tab is fully engaged and the connector cannot be pulled off without pressing the tab.
8. 8

   Refill cooling system
   Add Mopar OAT (Purple) coolant to the radiator until the level reaches the base of the radiator neck. If equipped, open the cooling system bleed screw located on the thermostat housing or upper radiator hose connection and leave open during filling. Close bleed screw when coolant flows steadily without air bubbles.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Burp cooling system
   Install the radiator cap. Start the engine and allow it to idle with the heater set to maximum temperature. Run the engine until the cooling fan cycles on at least once, indicating the thermostat has opened. Monitor for leaks around the new sensor during this process.
10. 10

    Final coolant level check
    After the engine has cooled completely (minimum 1 hour), recheck the coolant level in the radiator and add additional coolant if needed to reach the proper level. Check the coolant overflow reservoir and fill to the COLD mark if low.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify the drain petcock is closed hand-tight to prevent leaks
3. Wipe down any spilled coolant from the engine and surrounding components

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the temperature gauge reads normally and reaches operating temperature within 5-10 minutes
• Inspect the area around the new sensor for any coolant leaks after the engine reaches operating temperature
• Use a scan tool to verify the coolant temperature reading matches actual engine temperature (should read approximately 195-220°F at normal operating temperature)
• Check that the cooling fan activates at the correct temperature threshold
• Verify the coolant level remains stable in the overflow reservoir after several heat cycles

More procedures for this vehicle