i got a new CTS (coolant Temp Sensor) and it has two wires (as it should) but the broken one on my car only has 1 wire coming out of it. does this make any sense to anyone?

 

Which sensor broke, and which one did you purchase? What year is your car? Are you running the stock TPI intake or LT1, or other aftermarket? Is this the sensor that goes in the drivers head, the passenger, or one of the two that is in the manifold (if your car has cold-start), if you don't have it, you will only have one in the manifold.

Since you said the one that is broke only has a one wire type of plug I am guessing that it is in the head. If it is on the drivers side, it is used for the gauge, if it is in the passenger side, it is the one for the secondary fan, if you have one. They probably just gave you the wrong part, they are all listed as temperature sensors.

 

drivers side, it operates the temp gauge (gauge is not working)
i have one on the pass. side too? So the drivers side one should only have one wire on it and i have the wrong replacement? the GM service manual only has a picture of one temp sensor and it has 2 wires.

89 IROC stock everything except trans.

 

The one that operates the gauge is in the driver side cylinder head and has 1 wire.

The one that the ECM uses is located at the front of the intake manifold (at least on a TPI car, but since that's the forum we're in, I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you have TPI), and I believe that one has 2 wires.

 

you are right
i looked more thoroughly in my GM service manual and i was lookin at the pictures wrong. there is a 1 wire and a 2 wire. i need the 1 wire one. thanks guys. ill have to return this two wire one and get the other.