blackmaxima88

well yesterday, in another effort to solve my infamous idling problem, I pulled the passengers seat and ran diagnostics mode III on the ECU. it returned code 42, which comes out to be the fuel temp sensor.

I checked it out under the hood and the male spade terminal was broken off inside the electrical connector. I assume the sensor needs to be replaced? Is this a dealer or standard aftermarket part? how much am I looking to spend on one?

maximase86

iTrader: (24)

I would replace the sensor and the harness. Even if it was the electrical connector, it will at least eliminate the factor of a bad sensor. I don't imaging the sensor and harness costing too much, but you should most definately shop around.

S

blackmaxima88

thanks, that was my original plan, I can't imagine them being too much either, but thinking that has also gotten me into trouble before.

I'm all up for shopping around first. I replaced my PCV valve when I replaced the PCV hose which I had to get at a dealer. I was just going to save myself the trip and get the valve at the dealer with the hose, but the dealer wanted about $16 for a pcv valve!!!!! that's more than the hose was!!!

I got one at advance auto for just over $2...

maximase86

iTrader: (24)

lol, you probably could of gotten the hose for cheap too, though it wouldn't be the molded one like the dealer has.

S

blackmaxima88

I was thinking about it, but I didn't know if it would have made a difference, I guess not now that I think about it.

maximase86

iTrader: (24)

Yeah, if you can fine a hose of the same size and inner diameter you should be good.

S

blackmaxima88

fuel temperature sensor is built into the fuel pressure regulator. total to replace is just under $80 from autozone.

if I wait to replace it, how bad will fuel consumption go up?

maximase86

iTrader: (24)

well, if that's bad, I think it will probably get worst. I can see that causing your idling problem. Since its allow more fuel to the injectors, it has to compensate by proving more air or you start burning rich. Definately should consider replacing it soon.

S

blackmaxima88

I don't think it's "bad", the only visible problem with it is the male spade connector on the end of the sensor broke off and is stuck inside the female end on the end of the wire. I assume that this is what caused the ECU to return the malfunction, because it's not getting any signal from the fuel temp sensor. it looks like the sensor can be unscrewed from the fuel pressure regulator and replaced, but nobody seems to carry it.

pkfinn

When I first got my 87, the fuel temp sensor was missing, and the wire was cut off and tied back. the car seemed to run fine without it. I don't think it really does much unless the fuel temp is really high, then it richens the mixture. I got a sensor from the junkyard, along with the wiring for it and just spliced it on. It didn't seem to make any difference. In the FSM as well as my Haynes manual, it says to replace the fuel pressure regulator as a unit, do not remove the temp switch. I really don't know why they recommend doing that, other than the fact that you probably can't get just the temp sensor from the parts department. You can test the resistance of a used sensor, and if it's anywhere close to what the FSM calls for, it should work fine.

I saw something clever on a car in the junkyard recently, although it was pretty shadetree looking. The terminal on the temp sensor had broken off like yours did, so they just extended the wire a little and soldered it on to the sensor where the blade had broken off flush. I guess that would work in a pinch.