Hi, I am getting a code 14, "shorted coolant sensor circuit."

Can anyone tell me how to check the yellow plug pictured? The Chevy service manual says, "Check voltage between harness conn. term's. It should be about 5 volts.

I do not know what that means, but I do have a voltmeter... should I touch the 2 probes to the 2 circles inside the plug?

I don't mind replacing these parts, but I'd rather not start cutting wires if this yellow plug is not the issue. BTW the wires look good- not cut or rotted, etc.
Thanks as always...

 

Yes you can probe the plug that way. Do it with the red lead on the center pin.

Be aware though, the act of mechanically disturbing it, changes the results you will get. If something is warped and touching, but that fault clears when you move it, you will get a false "good" indication.

That connector style fails ALOT. It was GARBAGE.

Look at the wires where they go into it. The insulation crumbles to dust and the wires touch.

A new sensor comes with a completely other connector design that's much more modern (and actually sealed, unlike that old style) and a replacement pigtail made out of better wire. It makes no sense to waste effort on the old stuff, when for very few $$$, you can fix it better than it ever was, or ever will be otherwise.

You can test the sensor itself (which of course can go bad) with an ohmmeter. Should read a few k when cold, around 750 or so when at normal operating temp.

 

I didn't yet look at the wires, where they go into the plug... the insulation very well might be bad there... in any event, sounds like the best idea is to get the new connector and be done with it. Thank you.

 

Now what I find confusing- the replacement 2 wire pigtails have different plug ends, and the replacement plug that looks similar to what I have is only a one wire...

 

You need the coolant sensor #TS10075 and the pig tail #TSC200 from NAPA. I just replaced mine, just a different type connector but it works correctly.

Joel

 

http://www.autozone.com/engine-manag...-g-5-0l-4bl-hp

 

New sensor and pigtail are of MUCH better quality! Snap together beautifully!

No more check engine light. A small victory.

 

Victory is good.