Ok, before some loser dork tells me to use the search button I just want to find some basic info.

My car started running a code 14 (check coolant sensor) about 5 minutes or so into driving. It would idle funny and not run very well right when it started.

So, my question is, should I just replace the quick $10 coolant sensor and check to see that the wires are ok and then everything will be alright? Would anything contaminating the coolant foul the sensor? This just started so I'll leave it there.

This is not a thread about where is the sensor, just asking to see if just replacing this will fix the problem or could anything else cause it like a bad water pump or thermostat.

 

It's most likely the wires or a bad connection; but it could be the sensor. I don't hink anything else would cause it.

Try unplugging the wires, check the connector for corrosion etc., make sure the wires aren't broken right behind the connector; plug it back in and see if it still does it; if it does, try a new sensor.

 

Code 14 denotes a shorted CTS. Unless your car has seriously overheated, the high temp code means that the voltage has dropped to almost 0 or 0 for 2 to 4 seconds. The only things that could cause this are a grounded yellow wire to the CTS or a shorted out sensor. This CAN affect other things like air fuel ratio, EST, the cooling fan, TCC, and IAC decisions all are made with input from the CTS, so if the car is not running right then I would test the yellow wire and if it's good replace the CTS.

 

Ok, I know it is a two wire connection, but now, how do I test the yellow wire, any specific tool to get from radio shack?

And, usually on a cold start there is no code, but within a few minutes it starts and at times it even goes off in the middle of driving, so I'm guessing it could be anything from a messed up connection or sensor, which I'm guessing is still the 15 year old original piece.

 

do you have a multimeter? they are inexpensive and very helpful. First take a visual look at the wire for cracks, breaks, etc. then check the voltage, (do this after it sets the code). see if the wire has grounded out anywhere, and if it hasn't then replace the sensor. Hope that helps you out.

 

10 bucks just replace it.

It's not a waste as you will have a new CTS. A bad CTS gives a false engine temp reading and enriches the fuel mixture.

Prevents the car from going "closed loop" and prevents the TCC from locking up.

This little part car wreak havoc on performance when it's gone south.

 

Ok I had this same problem pretty much a wile back. car was stumbling real bad would stall and not restart and over all just ran like total crap. I was also getting the coolant sensor code. problem was it was a new sensor. well came out there was a short in the plug its self(literly the plug, not the wires). a mech I know happened to have a new plug, so he cut the old one off about 4" down the wire connected the new one onto the wires, pluged it up and havent had a problem since.
only charged me $10 for the cost of the plug, and its a factory plug so youd never know its been replaced. Id assume you can get one from GM for about the same $10 I was charged.