Are you experiencing some fluctuations in your Volkswagen’s temperature gauge or do you see the check engine light on? These may be symptoms that your coolant sensor is faulty. A Coolant temperature sensor is very important in maintaining the temperature of the engine. If this sensor is faulty then it affects the performance and the engine overheats and can even cause damage if not corrected. Let’s go deeper to understand how this component works, the steps you can take to replace a faulty sensor, and where you should take your Volkswagen for this replacement.
How Does A CTS Work?
A coolant temperature sensor, also known as CTS, is one of the relatively small but significant parts of an engine that helps manage the temperature of the engine. It achieves this by sensing the temperature of the coolant in your engine and then relaying the information to the computer of the car. The computer then takes that information to help fine-tune everything from the air/fuel mixture to the cooling fan so your engine operates optimally and doesn’t overheat.
In other words, this sensor helps monitor the temperature of your engine so that all components will run optimally. If this sensor is bad then you can expect all sorts of issues that could have an impact on how your VW drives.
How to Change the CTS In Your Volkswagen
- Locate the CTS: The sensor is normally mounted near the thermostat housing that is attached to the engine through a coolant hose. Depending on the particular make and model of the VW, the sensor could be situated inside the engine compartment and very easy to get to or it could be somewhat harder to get to meaning you have to remove other parts of the engine just to get to it.
- Drain Coolant: To avoid having the coolant gushing out when you unplug the sensor you need to drain some of the coolant. Put a container under the radiator, and turn the valve a little to let some of the coolant fall inside the container. You don’t have to remove all of the liquid—just enough to make the level below the sensor.
- Remove Electrical Connector: The coolant temperature sensor also has an electrical connector connected to it. This needs to be disconnected very carefully; pull the tab down and it will come loose. It is, however, important to be very cautious when handling the connector because it can easily get damaged.
- Remove Old Sensor: With a socket wrench, you then have to gently remove the old sensor out of the housing where it was fixed. A little bit of coolant might spill out, so you’ll want to have your drain pan After removing the sensor it’s important to ensure that the area is clean and free from any substances.
- Install New Sensor: The new coolant sensor should be placed in the housing. Just tighten until it fits securely but do not overtighten as this may harm the sensor. Once this sensor is fitted, reconnect the electrical connector.
- Refill Coolant and Check for Leaks: If you happened to drain some coolant earlier; now would be a good time to replace it. Be certain to use the right coolant for your Volkswagen. After refilling, start the car and take a few minutes to drive to make sure that there are no leakages around the sensor and that all is well.
Bring Your Volkswagen to Bavarium Autoworks For VW Repairs in Mountain View
If you’re in search of a reliable shop 
for your Volkswagen repairs come to us at Bavarium Autoworks. We are a company that focuses on European automobile repairs which include Volkswagen coolant sensor replacement. Our ASE-certified technicians will work on your car using the best equipment and genuine auto parts to guarantee optimum performance.
We have been in business for more than a decade and are honored to provide affordable services to drivers in Mountain View, CA, and nearby communities including Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Saratoga, San Jose, Cupertino, and many more. You can’t afford to ignore the signs of a failing coolant sensor—contact us for an appointment today and maintain the efficiency of your Volkswagen automobile.