Thread: Faulty coolant temprature sensor cause no start?

According to hpt, my ect is showing -38f. They say it's possible that's what's causing the engine not to start and not the vats. Any info on that?

What car are we talking about? And what symptoms are you getting on no-start? I'd assume a security light= vats.

The coolant temp sensor won't keep you from starting the engine.

Originally Posted by 02NavyBlue

What car are we talking about? And what symptoms are you getting on no-start? I'd assume a security light= vats.

The coolant temp sensor won't keep you from starting the engine.

Yeah.. we need a bit more info.

Its a 3800sc from a 2002 regal in an 86 fiero. In hpt it showed the ect at -38f. So I checked the wires and sure enough the yellow wire was in the wrong pin at the PCM. The vehicle won't start like its a vats issue, I have another thread on that so will leave it there.

So... then no point of this thread?

Originally Posted by 02NavyBlue

So... then no point of this thread?

I was told that a faulty sensor might be causing my no start problem so I was looking for an answer. So I started to investigate and noticed the wire that went in to the PCM was not there for that sensor so I looked and I completely mislabeled and placed it in the wrong pin.

Alright, glad you got it figured out.

Not sure on the 3800 platform, but I know on other platforms a faulty coolant temp sensor can cause the ECU to dump fuel causing a no start, so the OP wasn't entirely on the wrong track.

Hmm didn't know that. Do those other platforms that can dump fuel have intake air temp sensors?

On 3000GT/Stealths and DSM's the IAT is usually in the MAS.

I got 3800 Fiero too, I'm not sure about stopping it from starting, but if it reads too cold it will likely need throttle / more air for it to start.. I know this cause I experienced this by bleeding/filling engine from the tstat housing in which I was pouring cold coolant into the modified tstat housing and onto the CTS.