My car hasn't been starting cold lately and looked at the coolant temperature sensor. However, I don't think it's the sensor. The wire isn't getting any power on the test light with the key on and when it's running. Anybody have any ideas why the wire isn't getting any power?

 

Because it's not supposed to.

The sensor is a variable resistor. The ECM measures its resistance. It doesn't feed enough "power" to light a test light, just like your DMM doesn't do that when you put it on ohms.

Why do you not "think" it's the sensor? What's the sensor's resistance at a variety of temperatures?

 

Because I replaced the sensor two years ago. I'll try another one when I get home.

 

What is its resistance at a few key temperatures? (ambient, fully warmed up, etc.)

Do some investigation. Measure things. "Assuming" that just because a part is "new" is a good way to never figure out what's going on. Parts swapping is a good way to make your car faster by way of weight reduction ... concentrated at the driver's wallet.

Go get a DMM (costs less than a sensor most likely) and find out what's wrong.

 

Sorry for the slow reply. I have an extra sensor from a 5.3 S10 swap. I'll try that and I have a DMM by my side. What am I looking for with it? Sorry for all the questions. I just want my car to idle right...

 

Sofa, I replaced the temp sensor, temp sensor connector, IAC and checked for vacuum leaks. Still no change. Here is what happens. When I start it, I need to hold the gas pedal down. When it warms up I can let off the pedal, but it runs rich and has a high idle. Do you have any ideas?

 

Sounds like some tuning is in order...

 

Maybe check the vacuum line to the MAP

 

I'm going to check again tonight for vacuum leaks and look closer this time.