Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS)
Specifications
Specification
| Temperature | Resistance (kOhm) | |
| °C | °F | |
| 45 | 113 | 244,8 - 281,4 |
| 55 | 131 | 162,5 - 186,5 |
| 60 | 140 | 133,5 - 153,5 |
| 71 | 159,8 | 88,93 - 102,13 |
| 85 | 185 | 55,16 - 63,36 |
| 110 | 230 | 26.02 - 29.82 |
| 125 | 257 | 17,5 - 19,7 |
Description and Operation
Description
The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS) is installed in the engine coolant passage of the cylinder head to detect the engine coolant temperature.
The ECTS uses a thermistor whose resistance changes with temperature.
The electrical resistance of the ECTS decreases as temperature rises and increases as temperature falls.
A reference +5V is supplied to the ECTS through a resistor in the ECM. That is, the resistor in the ECM and the thermistor in the ECTS are connected in series.
As the resistance of the thermistor in the ECTS changes according to the engine coolant temperature, the output voltage also changes.
When the engine is cold, the ECM increases the fuel injection duration and controls ignition timing based on the engine coolant temperature information to prevent engine stalling and improve drivability.

Components and Component Location
Component Location

| 1. Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS) |
Circuit Diagrams
Wiring Diagram

Harness Connector

Repair Procedures
Inspection
The engine control system can be diagnosed more quickly for malfunctions using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS). (Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code Guide)
KDS provides the following information.
Self-diagnosis: Checks and displays diagnostic trouble codes (DTC).
Data list: Checks the input/output values of the system.
Active test: Checks the operating condition of the system.
Additional functions: System option control, zero point adjustment, and other functions.
Component Inspection
Turn the ignition off.
Disconnect the engine coolant temperature sensor connector.
Remove the sensor.
After immersing the sensor thermistor in engine coolant, measure the resistance between the ECTS signal terminal and the ground terminal.
Make sure the resistance is within specification.
Temperature Resistance (kOhm) °C °F 45 113 244,8 - 281,4 55 131 162,5 - 186,5 60 140 133,5 - 153,5 71 159,8 88,93 - 102,13 85 185 55,16 - 63,36 110 230 26.02 - 29.82 125 257 17,5 - 19,7
Removal
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the battery.
(Refer to Engine Electrical System - Battery)
Disconnect the engine coolant temperature sensor connector (A).

Remove the ECTS (A).
Tightening torque: 29.4–39 N·m

Installation
Install in the reverse order of removal.
Fill the engine cooling system with coolant.
(Refer to Engine Mechanical System - Engine Coolant)
Test yourself
A quick Kia Optima DL3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.