As I read more on heaters not heating, I need to do some cleaning under the hood. Is there a safe way for me to remove the coolant temp sensor and clean it? 4 cyl.

 

Remove it and clean it. Make sure the engine is cooled off so you don't get sprayed with scalding hot coolant.

 

It's kinda gunky. Is gas okay or should I use a spray degreaser?

 

It's a temp sensor. Take a rag and some sand paper to it. You could just replace the thing and be done with it. Probably less than $20.

 

It's 15° out, I've got 4 days to "do stuff" and back-flushing the heater core is out of the picture. Thought maybe doing some odd stuff without spending any money would be good activity! But less than 20 bucks ain't bad.
Thanks!

 

If its corroded I would replace it other than that just water and a rag if fine. If its anything like my 2.5 the thermostat housing will need replacing soon as it tends to get eaten up by the coolant.

They are cheap and available most places just remember only tighten up the housing bolts snug or you will bend it up being aluminum don't crank the bolts down.

 

Not sure if the temp sensor has anything to do with back flushing the heater core. What is the problem?

 

I suppose that as long as I'm going to back-flush, I should replace the thermostat and housing after the flush anyway. I did the back-flush last year also and it helped the Hester output immensely.

 

Little to no heat output. And maybe the sensor has no impact. I just want heat and it's too cold to run a hose so looking for little things to do without the comforts of a garage!

 

If it is not overhearing, put a piece of cardboard over the radiator.