2008 pontiac torrent intermittent temp sensor code

[Brads Pontiac]

Hey guys my brother in law has a 2008 pontiac torrent and I just went over to his place tonight and hooked my scan tool up to his vehicle and got the intermittent temp sensor code.. now I was recently told that he replaced the sensor by him self a week or so ago.. now being a technician my self I am wondering if maybe one of the connectors was corroded or something like that but I am also thinking maybe it may be a short to ground has anyone come across this problem before?

 

[EaOutlaw]

Check the install of the sensor, maybe he used Teflon tape to install it. Normally they have a pre installed thread sealant. if he used Teflon tape the sensor may be making intermittent connection to the engine.

Also make sure he bled the cooling system properly and is filled properly with coolant.
a engine with air trapped inside could cause the sensor not to be submerged in coolant which will not allow it to work properly.

years ago on mid 80s cars I would come across cooling fans what wouldn't work properly from what seemed to be a bad sensor yet it was caused by a bad pressure cap combined with too much water and not enough coolant to prevent the water from boiling.
the boiling water prevented the sensor from being submerged in water.

All cars need pressure and the proper ratio water to coolant for the various coolant sensors to work properly, yet many Diy owners neglect their cooling system simply because they just do not know better,

 

[melsg5]

can you post the code?

 

[BradG]

can you post the code?

This is the owner of the Torrent in question. The code that was displayed, if we wrote it done right was...P1006, which should be a engine coolant temp sensor code

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[BradG]

there was Teflon tape used as threads were bare, it was recommended. I did bleed the coolant system after it was changed, but will try to bleed again to see if there is a small air pocket

 

[EaOutlaw]

Who recommended Teflon tape? a Manual or instructions for the sensor?
Normally in the Automotive field thread sealant is used. if the sensor uses the engine as a ground, Teflon tape could prevent it from contacting the very ground needed to make the circuit work properly.

You can use thread sealant with Teflon. also Teflon tape can change the external diameter of the pipe thread and crack the part that it is installed in.

I used to use Loctite thread sealant with Teflon. it is good from -65 to 300 deg F

If your running into road blocks and cannot find any other solution, remove the sensor clean the threads on the sensor and part that it is installed bleed the air from the system and try again.

If you had a scanner that shows live data, the temperature wouldn't report correctly and should be easy to spot if this Teflon tape is the source of your problem.

If your still unsure run a jumper wire from a good ground to the body of the sensor recheck the data from the scanner to see if the problem is sorted out with the jumper installed.

All the parts stores I looked up your sensor at, has a sealing crush washer installed on the sensor, just one showed a thin layer of pre applied sealant to the threads, which is good that it is there to act as a thread lubricant.

 

[BradG]

I will try cleaning the threads as you said and use a lubricant instead, I am familiar with the engine...however this has had me puzzled for a couple weeks. I'm good with doing this kinda stuff and am not just a DIY guy, just not an engine tech

 

[EaOutlaw]

I only bring up the Teflon tape as a possible source of trouble because I have encountered it many times in the past.

if you do not want to open the cooling system to find out if this is your problem, run the separate ground wire to the sensor, strip back enough wire to surround the sensor housing and twist the wire till its tight with some pliers then tape it securely with some HVAC metal tape.

If your problem goes away you know what the cause is. if it doesn't you didn't lose any coolant or much time.

I mention testing this with the jumper wire because unless you coated the sealing washer with Teflon tape, the crush washer should still make the ground connection. unless you have so much tape on it the sensor didn't seat against the engine properly.

Good luck with what ever you do. Please let us know what you find. this will help others in the future.
Thanks.

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[melsg5]

Sensor Code

This is the owner of the Torrent in question. The code that was displayed, if we wrote it done right was...P1006, which should be a engine coolant temp sensor code

P1006 has nothing to do with a temperature sensor and I also tried P0106. I also agree with the above concerning not putting teflon tape on a sensor.

 

[EaOutlaw]

I must admit I didn't pay attention to the code they provided. it doesn't seem to be a correct code.

They should re scan the computer for codes if the problem persist after checking the coolant sensor.

 

[BradG]

So I've redone everything, cleaned off new sensor, bled off air, added coolant...now it's a wait and see. Sensor kinda seems to have its own mind...it's popped up three times in the last few weeks. I bought this sensor from auto source...I've heard that I should have got one straight from gm dealer, I've it keeps coming back. Should I try a new one from dealership or just tacke it in?!?

 

[EaOutlaw]

Well if you cleaned the sensor and installed it properly, and you have not noticed a MIL I would say you cured it.

If the MIL comes back on, get the code read again and let us know what code that is.
the code provided in this original post does not match up to a coolant temperature
sensor.

It is very possible you are working on the wrong sensor or system

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[BradG]

My brother inlaw is going to recheck the code, but I do rem him saying it is the engine coolant sensor...is there a way to add a photo, can't seem to find that option on this forum

 

[EaOutlaw]

to ad a picture click on Go Advanced then select the icon that looks like a paper clip, then click browse find your picture then upload, repeat as necessary

 

[BradG]

Can't figure out picture thing! But everything seems to be going well...even in our warmer weather. The only thing I wonder about is checking ground connection, however...I'm not fairly familiar on proper procedure. But like I said...no troubles, no worries! Lol

 

[EaOutlaw]

Can't figure out picture thing! But everything seems to be going well...even in our warmer weather. The only thing I wonder about is checking ground connection, however...I'm not fairly familiar on proper procedure. But like I said...no troubles, no worries! Lol

are you using a computer or phone to post here?

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[BradG]

are you using a computer or phone to post here?

I'm using an iphone.

 

[EaOutlaw]

I'm using an iphone.

I am thinking you may have limited capabilities using a phone, trying logging in with a computer one day if you want to post pictures.

 

[melsg5]

and once again post the code number

 

[BradG]

well, it's been since Jan 29 @ 6:16 am since the code has reappeared. Maybe the vehicle takes some time to get to the new sensor!? And ps...the code could possibly been p0116!