I need to change my engine coolant temperature sensor because my check engine light is on and is throwing code P0117-ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR LOW, however I cannot seem to find it. Has anyone changed one before and knows where it is located, i'm pretty sure it's somewhere near the alternator?

Dodge ram 1500, 5.9.

 

What year truck and what engine? Details!

 

Forgot about that 1998 Dodge ram 1500, 5.9.

 

On my '99 5.9 it was kinda underneath/behind the alternator.

 

Its behind the alternator on the intake manifold down next to where the thermostat housing is (if looking at your engine from the front). But, depending on the year of your truck, you may have one or two.

-On some '98, some '97, and all '96 and older, there should two (one is a sensor, one is a sending unit). One is for the PCM (the ECT sensor) and the other one is for the temp gauge and warning light (a sending unit). The one to the left of the thermostat housing is for the sending unit, and the port just behind and to the right of the t-stat housing is for the ECT.

-On some '97, some '98 and all '99 and newer trucks, there is just one that does both jobs (sensor and sender) and it should be to the left of the t-stat housing.

 

I tried to get a picture as best as I could but is it the sensor right under that hose I'm holding up right behind the alternator?

 

yeah, thats one and if you have the other, it will be on the other side of the tstat housing....i would go to the parts store and ask for what you need and then see if its the 1-wire or 2-wire sensor

 

The sensor the auto store gave me is two prong...... Do I just unscrew the sensor and slip new one in? There is enough under there I do not want to get the wrong advice and start unplugging anything I shouldn't.... Thanks for the help.

 

yep, put some teflon tape on it, you also may lose a little bit of coolant...............make sure you are replacing the right one b4 un screwing it.....they tend to break easy

 

Are you sure you should use teflon tape? I was told not to use teflon tape on a ect sensor but use hylamar on the threads instead.