so i changed out my ECT sensor this morning. pretty much that thing is a PITA, but definatly an instant notice in improvement in the idle of the engine.

for those planning to do this, heres a few things to watch out for....

-be prepared and get extra O-ring (will be rotted), and plastic retaining clips, it will break when you pull it off. i bought 3, 59c each.

-make sure your coolant cap is on tight. apparently mine was not, because when the sensor finally came out, so did half the coolant!, buy extra G12 just in case. if cap is tight, it will create a vacuum and keep the coolant in the engine!

-get the sensors electrical part off first. so you dont make it FUBAR. hard to get off, but worth the time.

-the o-ring will hold that bugger in there, so get some good pliers and just rock the old sensor until it comes out. its in there, but keep at it.

-when you put the new sensor in, its much easier to put the o-ring in, and press it down, then put the sensor in, its a tight fit, but a little elbow grease and you will feel it pop into place.

-then slide the new retaining clip in, make sure you go straight at it, no back and forth, or it will break.

-lastly connect the electrical end, and hook everything else back up.

if you got unlucky like me, and your coolant leaked, just run the car for a while and any on the exhaust/engine will burn off, thats ok if there is a little smoke, just dont inhale it!!!!!

question, just ask.

 

I made sure the car was off for a few hours to let the coolant cool down so when I opened the coolant reservior it would spit out. This lets the pressure out so when you take the sensor out it doesn't spill out.
When doing mine I could not get it out. I brought it to the shop because I was a day late in getting my inspection (failed because of the CTS). They had to drill it out becuase it was fused to the pipe or whatever it's attached to!! 2 hours labor! $140 for a little f'kin bugger $20 part! haha