An erratic dashboard display or a sudden loss of engine power can leave any SUV owner stranded and anxious on the side of the highway. At Vroomdan, we know how frustrating it is when a bad honda crv coolant sensor test reveals a failing honda crv coolant temperature sensor. Fortunately, you can fix this issue yourself at home, save hundreds of dollars in dealership labor fees, and easily unlock your vehicle’s full potential by mastering its hidden tech features.
Your CR-V has a secret trick that starts the SUV when your key fob dies.
And 14 other things Honda never told you.
Dead fob fix · Global window down trick · The hidden folding picnic table · Walk Away Auto Lock · and 11 more.
▶ Read Now — Show Me Everything
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
In This Guide
- Diagnosing and Replacing Your Honda CRV Coolant Temperature Sensor
- Understanding Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
- Locating ECT Sensor 1 and Sensor 2
- OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts Selection
- Step-by-Step DIY Replacement Tutorial
Diagnosing and Replacing Your Honda CRV Coolant Temperature Sensor
Your engine relies on accurate thermodynamic data to calculate fuel injection and radiator fan engagement.
When the engine control unit receives inaccurate signals, you might experience poor gas mileage or engine sputtering.
Performing a timely honda crv temp sensor replacement prevents catastrophic engine damage and restores lost fuel efficiency.
Before beginning your diagnostic process, ensure you have gathered the proper tools to complete this job safely.
Required Tools and Safety Gear
- Deep well socket set (specifically 17mm and 19mm deep sockets)
- Ratchet wrench with 3-inch extension
- Honda Type 2 Blue Coolant (pre-diluted 50/50 mix)
- Clean microfiber cloths
- Safety glasses and heavy-duty nitrile gloves
- OBD-II scanner to read and clear engine codes
Step-by-Step Replacement Instructions
Step 1: Cool Down the Engine
Never work on a cooling system while the engine is hot to avoid serious scalding hazards.
Let the vehicle sit for at least two hours until the radiator hoses feel cold to the touch.
Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from pressurized coolant spray during the removal phase.
Step 2: Relieve Coolant System Pressure
Slowly twist the radiator cap counterclockwise to release residual cooling system pressure safely.
Place a clean bucket underneath the radiator drain plug if you plan to execute a full honda crv coolant flush.
For a basic swap, you only need to drain about one quart of fluid to keep the mounting port dry.
Step 3: Disconnect the Electrical Connector
Locate the plastic locking tab on the wire harness terminal attached to the sensor base.
Squeeze the tab firmly with your thumb and pull outward without pulling on the actual wires.
Inspect the harness pins for green corrosion or melted plastic that might indicate wiring faults.
Step 4: Remove and Install the Sensor
Position your deep socket over the brass sensor hex head and turn it counterclockwise.
Quickly insert the new sensor by hand to prevent excess coolant from spilling onto the transmission housing.
Tighten the new component using a torque wrench set strictly to 18 foot-pounds to prevent aluminum thread damage.
Step 5: Refill and Bleed the Cooling System
Pour fresh coolant into the radiator neck until it reaches the base of the filler neck flange.
Start the engine with the heater turned to maximum heat to purge trapped air bubbles from the heater core.
Let the engine run until the radiator fans cycle twice, then top off the expansion reservoir.
At Vroomdan, we pride ourselves on delivering accurate step-by-step guides for everyday SUV owners.
You can find more complete maintenance guides on Vroomdan to help keep your daily driver running smoothly.
Understanding Diagnostic Trouble Codes: honda crv code p0117 p0118
When the check engine light illuminates, your OBD-II scanner is the best tool for uncovering system failures.
The honda crv code p0117 p0118 fault cluster indicates that the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) circuit has gone out of range.
Specifically, diagnosing a honda crv code p0117 p0118 requires looking at both low and high voltage extremes.
A P0117 code means the computer detects extremely low resistance, signaling a short circuit or an engine that is severely overheating.
Conversely, the P0118 code signals high resistance, indicating an open circuit from a severed wire or a dead sensor element.
You can quickly pinpoint the culprit by checking active honda crv check engine codes using a digital multimeter at the harness.
Using a honda crv code p0117 p0118 sensor diagnostic chart from the service manual will verify if the wiring harness itself is damaged.
Taking the time to measure resistance across the terminal pins can prevent you from purchasing unnecessary replacement parts.
Pinpointing the honda crv ect sensor location
Finding the exact sensor on your engine block depends heavily on your specific CR-V generation and engine size.
The primary honda crv ect sensor location (Sensor 1) is typically located on the cylinder head below the distributor or near the water outlet housing.
If you see a honda crv temp gauge reading high warning, Sensor 1 is the unit reporting this data to your dashboard display.
Models equipped with dual sensors feature Sensor 2 located directly at the bottom tank of the radiator to monitor fan cycling.
If you suspect physical damage, you should also inspect the components nearby during a honda crv thermostat replacement job.
In many cases, swapping out a cracked housing or completing a honda crv radiator replacement will resolve related thermal fluctuations.
| Model Year Range | ECT Sensor 1 Location | ECT Sensor 2 Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 – 2001 (2.0L B20) | Underneath distributor housing | Not Equipped |
| 2002 – 2009 (2.4L K24) | On the gearside cylinder head water block | Bottom tank of the radiator |
| 2010 – 2016 (2.4L K24) | Left side of cylinder head near airbox housing | Lower radiator assembly base |
| 2017 – Present (1.5L Turbo) | Behind cylinder head near thermostat assembly | Integrated radiator outlet pipe |
Knowing these locations will save you hours of searching in a cramped engine bay with limited visibility.
Evaluating Replacement Parts: New OEM vs. used honda crv coolant temperature sensor Options
It is tempting to look for cheap alternatives online when faced with sudden vehicle repair costs.
However, choosing a used honda crv coolant temperature sensor from a salvage yard is highly risky due to internal heat degradation.
Used thermistors often suffer from hairline ceramic cracks that fail once the engine reaches full operating temperature.
We strongly recommend buying a brand-new OEM Honda sensor to guarantee precise voltage scaling and long-term reliability.
Aftermarket sensors often have calibration tolerances that trigger false check engine lights within a few hundred miles.
Investing in a genuine factory component guarantees peace of mind during demanding family road trips.
Overcoming Common DIY Mistakes
Many home mechanics make simple mistakes during a honda crv temp sensor replacement that result in persistent leaks.
The most common error is forgetting to remove the old metal crush washer from the mounting hole before installing the new one.
Double-stacking washers makes it impossible to achieve a tight seal, leading to slow, hard-to-detect coolant leaks.
Another major issue is using generic universal green coolant instead of the required phosphate-organic acid technology (POAT) blue formula.
Mixing incompatible fluids creates silicates that clog thin radiator passages and wear out water pump seals prematurely.
Always clean the surrounding aluminum threads thoroughly with a wire brush to prevent cross-threading during installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive with a faulty coolant sensor?
No, driving with a bad sensor can cause your engine computer to miscalculate fuel delivery and fail to activate the radiator fans.
This increases your risk of severe engine overheating, which can warp cylinder heads and blow head gaskets.
Can a bad coolant sensor affect my car’s heater performance?
Yes, because the engine computer uses sensor data to manage the electronic blend doors and passenger cabin heating profiles.
A bad sensor can cause cold air to blow from your vents even when the engine is warm.
How do I test my sensor with a multimeter?
You can check the sensor by conducting a comprehensive honda crv coolant sensor test guide on our site.
Measure the resistance in ohms across the two pins and compare the values against the temperature chart in your manual.
“I’ve driven a CR-V for 4 years and didn’t know this existed.”
— The most common reaction when this article is shared
Did you know your backup camera has a hidden top-down ‘drone view’? Or that your cruise control automatically downshifts on steep mountain hills to save your brakes?
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
Conclusion
Maintaining your Honda CR-V with premium parts keeps your family safe and avoids costly repair shop bills.
Ready to get the most out of your SUV? Check out more guides on Vroomdan or email us at contact@vroomdan.com — our team is here to help you discover more SUV secrets and maintenance guides.