Coolant Temperature Sensor

Replace the coolant temperature sensor on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, including partial coolant drain and system refill with proper bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Coolant temperature sensor × 1 — Use OEM Maserati part or Bosch 0 280 130
• Coolant temperature sensor O-ring × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Fluids

• Maserati OAT Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitor discharge
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips and lifting
5. Locate coolant temperature sensor on the coolant crossover pipe near the front of the right cylinder bank
6. Place protective covers over alternator and nearby electrical components

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve cooling system pressure
   Slowly rotate the coolant reservoir cap counterclockwise to the first detent position to release any residual pressure. Wait for any hissing to stop, then remove the cap completely. Verify coolant level is visible in the reservoir.
2. 2

   Drain coolant partially
   Position drain pan under the radiator drain petcock located on the driver's side lower radiator tank. Open the drain petcock by turning counterclockwise and drain approximately 2 quarts of coolant (monitor drain pan level). Close the drain petcock hand tight once coolant level drops below the sensor location on the crossover pipe.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the coolant temperature sensor. Press down on the connector lock tab while pulling the connector straight away from the sensor. If corrosion is present, use a small amount of electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry before reconnecting.
4. 4

   Remove coolant temperature sensor
   Using a 17mm wrench, carefully turn the coolant temperature sensor counterclockwise. Expect a small amount of coolant to drain from the sensor port (approximately 50-100ml). Remove the sensor completely and inspect the sensor port threads in the coolant crossover pipe for damage or debris.
   ⚠Do not use excessive force. If sensor is seized, apply penetrating oil and wait 10 minutes before attempting removal again.
5. 5

   Prepare new sensor
   Remove the new coolant temperature sensor from packaging. Verify the O-ring is properly seated in the sensor groove. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean coolant. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants as they will damage the O-ring.
6. 6

   Install new sensor
   Thread the new coolant temperature sensor into the coolant crossover pipe by hand until finger tight. Using a 17mm wrench, tighten the sensor to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as the sensor body is plastic and the crossover pipe is aluminum.
   ⚠Proper torque is critical. Overtightening will crack the sensor housing or strip the aluminum threads in the crossover pipe.
7. 7

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector onto the new coolant temperature sensor until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked in place.
8. 8

   Refill cooling system
   Using a coolant funnel with adapter on the coolant reservoir, slowly add Maserati OAT coolant premixed to 50/50 concentration. Fill until coolant level reaches the MAX mark on the reservoir. Install and hand-tighten the reservoir cap.
9. 9

   Bleed cooling system
   Locate the coolant bleed screw on the highest point of the cooling system (top of radiator or coolant crossover pipe). Open the bleed screw 1-2 turns. Start the engine and set heater to maximum temperature and fan speed. Allow engine to idle until coolant flows steadily from the bleed screw without air bubbles. Close the bleed screw while engine is running.
   ⚠Monitor engine temperature gauge during bleeding. If temperature exceeds normal operating range, shut off engine immediately and allow to cool.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Complete bleeding and top off
    Allow engine to run for 5 minutes, reaching normal operating temperature (approximately 90°C/195°F). Shut off engine and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Check coolant level in reservoir and add coolant to MAX mark if needed. Reinstall reservoir cap securely.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal
2. Reinstall engine cover by aligning rear tabs first, then pressing down on front clips until seated
3. Remove protective covers from electrical components
4. Inspect work area for tools and check for any coolant leaks around sensor

Verification

• Start engine and verify coolant temperature gauge begins to rise normally within 3-5 minutes
• Using a diagnostic scan tool, verify coolant temperature sensor reading matches actual engine temperature within 5°C
• Inspect sensor area for any coolant leaks with engine at operating temperature
• Verify no check engine light or coolant-related fault codes are present
• Confirm heater output is hot when engine reaches operating temperature
• Check coolant level after first drive cycle and top off if necessary

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