I have pulled many MAT and CTS sensors from TPI units (1985 - 89) They all apear to have the same resistance value versus temperature. I have found two types of MAT sensors installed in manifolds, solid and cage type. The solid MAT looks exactly like the CTS.
The repair manuals say the resistance values between the two sensors are different, WAY different. I have not found one sensor that reads anything close to the values given for the MAT sensor.
My question is this: Are the two sensors interchangable? If not, how do you physically tell the difference? What about the ohm readings? I show about 5K at 50 deg F. the book says it should be way lower than this at 50 deg. for the MAT sensor but I haven't found one even close to that, even the one in my running engine reads 5K at 50 degs. but I have no faults showing. I also show zero degrees on my MAT temp using TunerPro RT when scanning.

 

The MAT/IAT sensor has the same resistance range as the CTS. They both have the same resistance range as the sender for the gauge. Later IAT sensors have the same range.

On a TPI (at least mine) the sensors are identical.

 

O.K. thanks! Thats what I needed, someone to confirm what I basically determined looking over 10+ used sensors. The part that threw me was in the TPI swappers book under the faults for MAT high/low they have a chart for resistance on the MAT sensor that is no where near what I am reading, so the book is wrong.
Thanks for the reply!

 

The CTS and MAT are the same part number and are interchangeable between 86-92 (and later part of 85). During the early part of 1985, the MAT had an exposed bulb, and used a different connector.

The CTS and MAT sensors should read the same resistance at any given temp.