Faulty coolant temprature sensor cause no start?

[tweeder]

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?

[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.

[codyAK]

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.

[tweeder]

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.

[02NavyBlue]

So... then no point of this thread?

[tweeder]

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.

[02NavyBlue]

Alright, glad you got it figured out.

[stealthee]

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.

[02NavyBlue]

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

[stealthee]

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

[sco77]

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.