What is an Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor? This is its function!
In recent years, modern cars have adopted various automatic systems along with supporting sensors for the performance of EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection). One of them is called the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor or ECT. So what is meant by ECT? What are its functions? And how does it work? To find out the answers to these questions, let's look at the following discussion.
What is the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT)?
As previously explained, the ECT is part of the supporting sensors for EFI performance. The ECT itself is a component of the engine located on the engine block. Specifically, in the area of the radiator coolant channel or under the thermostat housing. However, some cars have the ECT located in the water jacket of the cylinder block.
Functions of ECT in Cars
In cars, the ECT has important functions and roles. Here are the complete functions.
1. Measuring and detecting coolant temperature
The main function of the ECT is to measure and detect the temperature of the coolant and to activate the radiator fan. When the engine is hot, the ECT will send a signal to the indicator light on the speedometer. If the coolant temperature is too hot or exceeds the normal temperature limit, the signal will light up. This signal will send a command to turn on the radiator fan to lower the hot engine temperature back to normal.
2. Preventing damage to other car components
As is known, an overheated engine can cause overheating problems. This issue has the potential to damage other car components, and can even cause the car to catch fire. With the presence of the ECT, the hot car temperature can be normalized, thus preventing overheating.
How ECT Works
Speaking of how the ECT works, this component has a fairly simple working mechanism. The working mechanism of the ECT is assisted by other electronic components such as the Negative Temperature Coefficient thermistor or NTC. Later, the NTC will directly lower the resistance when the coolant temperature increases. Similarly, when the coolant temperature decreases, the resistance in the sensor will increase.
The change in temperature along with the change in resistance in the thermistor causes the potential data of the ECT to ECU to also change. When you start the car, there will be an increase in temperature in the coolant. At this point, the ECT sensor begins to work. The ECT sensor will send a signal to the ECU, so that the ECU gives the command to turn on and rotate the fan.
If the cooling fan cannot turn on or rotate, the increase in coolant temperature will continue to rise. This can cause the car to overheat. In addition to overheating, other problems will also arise. Starting from the check engine light staying on, fuel consumption becoming wasteful, engine vibrations, changes in mileage, exhaust emitting black smoke, to worsening engine idle.
Thus is the understanding of the ECT sensor, its functions, and how it works. To ensure that your car's ECT sensor does not have issues, you need to perform regular maintenance. You can routinely clean the radiator, remove dirt and dust that accumulates on the radiator fan, or refill the radiator water when it starts to run low.
If the maintenance you perform does not yield results, you can visit a Daihatsu authorized workshop for servicing. Here, your car will be handled by skilled and professional mechanics. Additionally, any damaged spare parts will be replaced with original parts, so they do not wear out easily.
