When to Replace Your Volkswagen’s Coolant Temperature Sensor

The Volkswagen offers smooth and comfortable rides for its owner and other car passengers. However, your Volkswagen could begin to show some signs of a problem with its parts, calling for a replacement. One of such problems is a Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS) issue. A faulty CTS in your VW not only affects how the engine runs, it could also lead to serious engine issues. It is therefore necessary to understand when it’s time to replace this sensor to avoid subjecting your car’s engine to unwarranted problems.

Learning about the Coolant Temperature Sensor

Your Volkswagen’s engine needs a comfortable environment to run efficiently, this means an environment with an effective temperature control system. This is where the coolant temperature sensor comes in.

The CTS helps to monitor the coolant temperature in your car and sends information to the Engine Control Unit, which then makes changes to the engine’s actions based on the information released. This combined action helps to ensure that the engine still runs efficiently no matter the temperature.

For example, if the coolant returning from your engine is cold, it shows that the engine is running cold, and in that situation, the sensor alerts the ECU, which then releases fuel to the air-fuel mixture, helping to start the engine smoothly and also warming it up.

Like every other vehicle part, this CTS can fail due to various reasons such as aging, wear and tear, or extreme heat conditions. When this happens, you should not overlook the issue. You should find a way to replace the sensor; here are some reasons why;

• To protect your engine from damage from overheating or overcooling which the CTS would have controlled
• To boost your Volkswagen’s engine performance and fuel economy
• To avoid high emissions that can result from uncontrollable temperature
• To prevent further damage to other car parts that depend on the CTS

When is it Time to Replace Your Volkswagen’s Coolant Temperature Sensor?

Finding a replacement for your car’s CTS before it does some real damage helps to keep your car in good condition. However, how do you know when to have a replacement? Here’s how:

1. Work with a Maintenance Schedule

Most car parts have an estimated lifespan and the manufacturers recommend that you make a change before this time expires. For your Volkswagen’s Coolant Temperature Sensor, it is recommended that you replace it every 100,000 miles. You do not have to wait for it to get damaged, as avoiding an issue with this car part is better than having to fix its issues.

2. Following a Diagnostic Check

Part of keeping your car in great shape involves maintenance actions that include diagnostic checks. Doing these checks with a professional mechanic helps you to identify issues with any car part or system before they manifest fully and cause problems. Hence, if you notice a sign of a problem in the CTS of your car, you should not wait till it gets bad. Work on getting a replacement immediately.

3. After Seeing Signs of a Fault

Aside from a diagnostic check, your vehicle has other ways of letting you know that there is an issue with its systems. Hence, if you notice any of the following symptoms of a CTS problem, you should find a replacement ASAP.

• Check engine light comes on.
• Engine overheating or overcooling.
• The engine temperature gauge shows inconsistent information.
• Black fumes or smoke from the exhaust pipe.
• Decreased Engine Performance.
• Poor Fuel Economy.
• Engine rough idles or does not start up easily.

4. After an Age Period

It is not news that the older your car is, the more likely it is that its parts start to fail. Hence, it is recommended that you change your car’s coolant temperature sensor after every 10 years. You should do this, even if your car hasn’t crossed the 10,000-mile mark yet.

Where to Go to Replace Your Volkswagen’s Coolant Temperature Sensor

When it is time for a CTS change in your vehicle, you need to do it with a professional mechanic you can trust so as to get the best replacement services without worry. Auto Assets is your go-to option if you are looking for that mechanic in Columbus, Dublin, New Albany, Worthington, or Powell, OH. We offer excellent and professional diagnostic, repair, and replacement services to help your car get back on the road. European cars are all we know, so your Volkswagen is in perfect hands.

* Blue Volkswagen Car image credit goes to: Brandon Woyshnis.