Here's the story. Over the summer, my CEL came on and I got the code for the Intake Air Temperature Sensor. I checked the sensor by putting it in water and comparing its resistance to the chart in my Haynes manual, and it was fine. I checked the voltage coming through the harness and instead of the expected 5V, it was only getting 4.15V (something like that). I reset the ECU and the CEL has only come on with that code a couple of times in the last few months. Last night, it came on again with the code for the Engine Collant Temperature Sensor. I have a feeling this sensor isn't damaged, either.

My questions are:

Do I have to replace my ECU? I have to drive an hour to get from school to home for Thanksgiving.. is it safe, or am I going to damage the car? I read on here a while ago that these sensors were more for diagnostic purposes, and that the car would run fine if they weren't working properly. Is this true?

Any insight is GREATLY appreciated.

Doug

 

Both sensors are important and are used by the ECU to monitor and make adjustments to your car.

Reset the ECU once again and see what comes back. If you get the ECTS code again, replace it.

If you get the intake temp code over and over again, replace it.

Don't be suprised if you get a knock sensor code along with the ECTS code. Consider the KS code a ghost code, don't replace it.

 

Thanks... will do!