Pontiac Optima Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) Replacement at your home or office.

Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(4)

Included for free with this service

Online Booking

Mechanic comes to you

12-month / 12k-mile warranty

Free 50 point safety inspection

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Customer Ratings

(4)

Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) Replacement Service

How much does a Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Pontiac Optima Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) Replacement is $133 with $38 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1990 Pontiac OptimaL4-1.6LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$191.45Shop/Dealer Price$220.57 - $285.41
1991 Pontiac OptimaL4-1.6LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$171.45Shop/Dealer Price$200.58 - $265.44
1990 Pontiac OptimaL4-2.0LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$171.45Shop/Dealer Price$200.58 - $265.44
1988 Pontiac OptimaL4-1.6LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$171.45Shop/Dealer Price$200.56 - $265.40
1988 Pontiac OptimaL4-2.0LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$171.45Shop/Dealer Price$200.60 - $265.47
1989 Pontiac OptimaL4-2.0LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$171.45Shop/Dealer Price$200.58 - $265.44
1989 Pontiac OptimaL4-1.6LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$176.45Shop/Dealer Price$205.45 - $270.20
Show example Pontiac Optima Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) Replacement prices

What is the Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) all about?

The coolant temperature switch, also called the coolant temperature sensor, is a switch that reads the engine coolant temperature and sends a signal to the engine control module, or ECM, to control other functions of engine operation such as the air-fuel ratio.

It is also called a switch because on some cars, it is used to turn on the engine cooling fan at a specific temperature. This aids in the engine warm-up process as well as keeping the engine at a safe operating temperature.

Keep in mind:

  • The coolant temperature switch is a crucial part of the cooling system. If faulty, it can cause severe internal engine damage due to overheating, incorrect air-fuel ratio, or incorrect ignition timing. It can also cause shorter life to the cooling fan motor or other electrical components of the cooling system.
  • Some vehicles are equipped with a separate sensor to display the engine temperature to the driver via the temperature gauge.

How it's done:

  • The Coolant Temperature Switch is verified that it needs to be replaced. The coolant is drained until the switch is exposed.

  • The defective Coolant Temperature Switch is removed by disconnecting the connector and removing it from the manifold.

  • The new Coolant Temperature Switch is installed into the mounting hole in the manifold and the electrical connector is reconnected. The coolant is then refilled.

  • The Coolant Temperature Switch is tested for operation, codes cleared, and retested to ensure all codes have been resolved.

  • The vehicle is road tested to ensure proper operation of the Cooling System.

Our recommendation:

If you suspect that your coolant temperature switch has failed, have one of our licensed mechanics come out immediately to diagnose the problem.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor)?

  • Check Engine light on
  • Engine overheating
  • Cooling fan runs intermittently
  • Engine misfires, stalls, or idles roughly
  • Erratic coolant temperature

How important is this service?

This part, when faulty, could cause the fan to run intermittently or not at all, which in turns causes overheating or overuse of the cooling fan motor. Whenever overheating occurs, severe engine damage is a possibility.

The engine air-fuel ratio is what keeps it running smoothly. If the ratio gets skewed, the engine will have poor fuel economy and run poorly or not at all. The coolant temperature switch is important because it gives the ECM the information it needs to make this calculation and run the engine optimally. YourMechanic will be able to tell you if this part is performing correctly.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Pontiac mechanics

Real customer reviews from Pontiac owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(4)

Rating Summary
4
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0

Deane

11 years of experience
340 reviews
Deane
11 years of experience
Pontiac G5 L4-2.2L - Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) - San Diego, California
Professional work and carried out in a timely fashion. Good job

Augustine

12 years of experience
129 reviews
Augustine
12 years of experience
Pontiac Grand Prix V6-3.8L - Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) - Albuquerque, New Mexico
He arrived early for the appointment. He was friendly yet professional. He completed the repair, provided the replaced part and advised about future services needed. This was the first time I have used YourMechanic and I will more than likely used it again. I liked the convenience of the home service.

PETE

22 years of experience
96 reviews
PETE
22 years of experience
Pontiac Grand Prix V8-5.3L - Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) - Claymont, Delaware
Pete arrived early!! Was very informative and kind!! He tried to save me money but i was determined to get temp sensor replaced

Augustine

12 years of experience
129 reviews
Augustine
12 years of experience
Pontiac Sunfire L4-2.2L - Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Augustine is very personal. My appointment was at 1pm but he didn't mind coming early. I will definitely be using this your mechanic.com and ask for him.

Excellent Rating

(4)

Rating Summary
4
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
Number of Pontiac Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) Replacement services completed
44+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Pontiac MECHANICS
800+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How Long Does a Kickdown Cable Last?
In In order for a car to run smoothly, the engine and the transmission will have to work together. With all of the different components in the engine and transmission of a car, keeping up with them all can be...
How Long Does a Steering Stabilizer Stop Last?
If If your truck or SUV is equipped with larger tires and wheels than the manufacturer intended, you need a steering stabilizer to reduce wobble and feedback at the steering wheel. The immense amount of weight added to the front...
How to Register a Car in Nevada
When When moving to a new state like Nevada, you will have to take some time to make sure that you are in compliance with all laws. The first thing that you need to do when getting moved into you...

Ticking noise when accelerating

Hello! Many things could result in a ticking sound (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-making-a-noise-inspection) when driving, from a fuel injector to the turning axle bearing. Any qualified mechanic, such as our YourMechanic experts, will be able to diagnose this issue for you.

Temperature gauge in the red zone

The normal operating range for most engines is between 195 degrees and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. If your engine is getting hotter than this, it's running too hot. Do not continue to drive it until it is properly repaired. Overheating can...

Jeep won't start, have a p0523 code

Diagnostic trouble code P0523 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0523-obd-ii-trouble-code-engine-oil-pressure-sensor-switch-high-voltage-by-valerie-johnston) signifies that there is trouble with the oil pressure sensor circuit or an actual excursion, to the high side, in oil pressure. A "high" reading is being recorded by the PCM due to either electrical...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com