I need help about coolant temp sensor.
 

Hi, a while ago i introduced my problem of getting 8 miles per gallon. I got to a mechanic and they told me it was the coolant temp sensor. So i ordered one from the internet. but it hasnt arrived. Now to get my car up 2k (rpm's) i have to step on it after im driving for a while so i thought it was a transmission problem (staying on 4th shift) or something. But the same mechanic (a freelance mechanic friend of mine) told me again it was the coolant temp sensor. So my question is. What are the symptoms of a bad coolant sensor or if this is being caused by it (bad gas milage and stalling). Thanks.

--Luis

P.S. also when i first start my car it goes to 1.5K(rpm's) and then starts to go down. overall is good except those things mencioned. Thanks again

Basically if its not working the ECU thinks the motor is cold, so it runs extra rich. Once the engine it up to temp it takes some effort to restart it again. It will run like crap too no matter what. The car is supposed to have a high idle when its cold, but after that initial start up it should be less than 1000 rpms.

I had a coolant temp sensor problem that would shut the engine down comlpletely. The engine would start normally when cold and then have a major stalling problem at the same spot during warmup every time. It would totally shut down, but I always got it restarted. If I was driving, it would buck as the engine fired and shut down. Once warmed up, it ran fine. I just thought that it was an unusual set of symptoms for a temp sensor failure.

Rene