My thoughts EXACTLY! GearWrench makes a 1/4" set that includes a 15mm deep. Only set that I'm aware of that makes such a size... Edit: Tried it, doesn't fit. Open end of wrench with screwdriver through box end works.
To everyone having issues getting the sensor out: use a 15mm brake line ratchet head on an extension. Worked like a charm. Just replaced the thermostat and the coolant sensor today. Took about 4 hours, was a pain in the butt, but was easy for the most part. Good luck!!
Excellent video and good camera work. A few comments: 1. Yes on 1/4 inch drive as others have said. 2. Shame on GM for this design. 3. I have the exact same engine and year in my GM SUV with the same failure 4: I am going to studiously search for a better place to pull off the coolant temperature. Maybe a radiator hose tap. The chances of inducing a problem with all this activity can surely be worked around.
I watched another you tube video where the person cut a craftsman spark plug socket down 1.25 inches with a slight angle and used a 3/8 to 1/4 reducer so he could use a 1/4 inch wobble extension. It gave him more to rotate the sensor for removal and installation. He got the sensor out without removing the intake manifold. I am not sure I trust my luck not to damage the connector the way he did it. Both the videos are good. Thank You
Have the same issue going on with the wife’s. I don’t Have a reset tool but popping the positive terminal off and back on after 5 seconds has always reset the issue without it popping up again for a month to even a few months. Very helpful video, on my job I got all the way to the part where I removed the connector only to find out I was sold the wrong temp sensor (was for the 4cyl model, I assume). So I had to put the whole thing back together. It didn’t matter much anyways because I didn’t have a socket that was long or short enough to get to the nut ring just like you ran into. I will say that I watched you guys forget to put the connector back on and was like “ohhh noooo” but glad you guys were still able to get it back on.
Haha when we saw that we forgot to connect the connector we weren’t happy to say the least. Lol. To other viewers, definitely pay attention to what your doing which is a slight downside to recording a video and doing a job. Eh, it worked out great and I’m glad you found a work around. Whenever you’re ready to get back to doing the job, make sure to replace the thermostat too. It just makes since for the cost and labor nature of the work itself.
Thank you , well-done for broadcasting this useful video. I myself learned how to replace the engine coolant temperature sensor , I have the same issue today . Iraqi Kurdistan Region Taqtaq town .
I have a 2017 Buick Lacross with the same problem. Dealer wants $180.00 just to diagnose plus @112.00 an hour to install plus sensor plus tax. Oh Boy. Thanks for the video,its going to make it a lot easier .Jack
Thank you sir you're video was well helpful for me to replace mine also gotten the same part from O'Reilly's and it was $12.58 for it also lifetime warranty 👍🏽👍🏽
I think everyone is miss diagnosing a problem with all these engines. It's a P0128 code that is generated along with a steering message, cooling fans run on high, temp gage is driven to 0 and AC is disabled. This code has happened 4 times in 77K miles on my 2018 Acadia. The book has you replace the temp probe and the thermostat as shown in this video. Of all the evidence I see on these videos I don't see any thing that would indicate they are corroded or defective. I think its a soft ware fault, a difference in the calculated temp with the actual temp. My engine/code diagnostic unit(OBD) has not seen any interruption in the CWT (coolant water temp) indications, its usually 168-171' F. Just clear the code with the erase button and everything works fine. I actually went out and bought all the parts thinking I needed to do it repair. I am just going to keep clearing the code every once in a while when It pops up until I see other issues with temp readings or leaks or other irregularities.
Good input. I should have cleared the code first to see if everything started working again, however, given that it wasn’t my car, I fixed what the ecu was telling me the problem was. So far, the code hasn’t returned and I believe that if it does, then it’s unrelated to that temp sensor. I could test his old temp sensor and see if it was bad as well. Honestly, this problem being so common leads me down the same road as you. There seems to “possibly” be something up with the cars ecu and not the actual part. Either way, I hope I earned a subscriber and good luck in the future if you have any other issues with your Acadia.
I have a 2017 gmc acadia. Had the steering assist come on once. Reset the battery and everything went off for almost a year. Code came on again cleared it and it went off for a month and now back on.
@@Mustang09Hotty yep, I have cleared this code 5 times. I am going to call GM and try to talk to a technical rep. I have my OBD computer hooked up giving me live data temperature information and had a code presented. There was no change in thermostat water temp at all (no anomaly) So it doesn't seem to be a bad temp probe or a bad thermostat not opening or closing causing a high or low water temp. Not sure what is triggering the limp home mode. Another question is after changing the temp probe and thermostat ( a big deal in shop time) does this come back, No one has presented any info on that.
i just had this job done thexother day i had them replace the entire thermostat along with the housing and pipe that runs across and sensor plus a coolant flush best to do both while your in there
My 2019 threw a P0128 same thing with power steering assist check engine light etc. I checked some forums and it’s a pretty common issue with this engine 3.6. Before you replace thermostat or sensor try cleaning negative battery terminal. My temp gauge started working right away
yep the power assist is a electrical power steering box they took away the highdrolic system. but on that the note it monitors the temp sensor so if it goes out it gives you the power assist reduced error.
Couple things i did: Using a 15mm wrench standing up, using a screwdriver for torque. Also used a mini shop vac and pulled on reservoir so coolant doesn't shoot out of hole.
Did this on mine - ended up removing the fuel rail to get to it and now the car is running extremely rich and just dumping fuel into those cylinders. Any idea on if these vehicles need some sort of fuel trim relearn? I never unplugged the fuel rail or injectors, just set them up and out of the way. Not sure what I'm missing.
Wow, THANK YOU guys for doing this video. I’ve been searching for a solution forever. I had a quick question if you’re able to answer? I am able to change my oil with no problem. I also have a full set of car tools, but haven’t really done car work other than oil and very minor things. do you suppose I would be able to do this myself? I am only concerned with not remembering how to get everything out back together properly.
Very well done video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. Now that you know how the connector lock works, would you be able to disconnect it to inspect it or even change it without removing the intake?
Short answer is no. It’s just tucked way down there where you can’t get to it. Also, thanks. We were pretty thorough with this one given how many time we saw others having with this same issue
That stupid sensor/thermostat! When the sensor cant read, the computer thinks it is too cold and thinks the steering grease is thick and that's why "steering assist is reduced". I'm starting with the sensor first and hope it is not the thermostat!
Yeah. It is the sensor and the ecu. Lot of people have bad ecu in this gen acadia. Mine does it all the time now. I have a Bluetooth reader i keep in the center console so i can reset the code. And it goes normal for a week then. Pops again. Sometimes it throws the cam position sensor code too. But its something in the ecu hits a faulty current and makes those codes pop. Even after you change the sensors.
2018 Acadia V6 54,125 miles same issue happened to mine. Dealer charged $1052 to fix it. Luckily GEICO Mechanical breakdown insurance covered me so I just paid $250 deductible. Anyway, just wondering what will it take for GMC to make this a recall? Plain and simple this shouldn’t happen. Also how long did this process take? I was told 5 hours.
54k is relatively low mileage but I will say a sensor can fail whenever. It did take a couple hours to get this job done. It was about 3 hours of straight work with recording this video obviously.
Alonso, good night, I follow you and make a coolant temperature sensor replacement in a Cadillac XT5 2017, 1 month ago, but today the temperature gauge in the dashboard is down again, I bought the sensor in the Cadillac dealer, can you help me what can I do or check for solve this problem. It's amazing with the new dealer sensor the problem appears again. Regards
@@AlonzoCubano No yet, I specting my friend brinda me the SUV in next 2 days, I'll check and I'll be keep in touch with you, thanks for your fast response
@@AlonzoCubano Good morning, Today my friend bring me the cadillac XT5 2017, shows the code P0128, I tried to clean with my scanner and it can't do it, I need to disconnect the batter for reset the system and the panel shows the real temp (when the suv arrives, the temp gauge is down and the fans work in high speed, can you tell me how solve this problem? Do I need to remove the thermostat? I'll waiting for your answer, Thanks.
Just clear that code. Most likely it is software issue and see if this happens again. I had this problem and this is what I did. My truck is running fine.
I heard of others doing this as well. In my buddys case, he chose to just replace it in which we did. It seems like there’s either a software issue or the thermostat that’s causing this issue.
As of 02/2024. In Houston Chevrolet dealers they wanted 1,500 plus tax. To replace censor and thermostat for my 2018 gmc Acadia. I replace it my self. And 2 weeks in and I’m still good. I just save me money. 😅😅😁😁
*WARNING* When you do this and your brakes dont work properly, the vac hose may be pinched up under/ by the brake fluid reservoir. I was stumped last night why my car wasnt braking properly in the drive way. Then the next morning i saw the hose was pinched. Just a little info, but this video did help out.
I didn’t because my buddy just wanted to fix what the issue was, but I would highly recommend changing it while you’re down there given the amount of work it takes to get there.
Yes. What I would do if I were you is stop at an auto parts store and ask them to clear the code and see if everything comes back. Temporary fix, but it may help get you to your destination with ac and power steering assist.
I called gmc and asked what it cost to replace they told me 800 dollars. Said the fuel rails had to be replaced and all kinds of stuff. I'm like I'll try it myself for that money
@Alonzo Cubano I hope so. I've seen a couple videos of it being done without taking it all apart so I'm gonna have to give it a try. So far I just keep disconnecting the battery to reset the sensor
Po128. Replace thermostat. Disconnect battery for ten minutes and your done. It's that easy. Stop kicking this problem down the road. Get a thermostat.
FYI it’s rarely the ECT sensor. It’s the thermostat that goes defective causing it to stick open making the pcm think the ect sensor reading is invalid due to a low coolant temp reading. And P0128 by default kicks cooling fans on high speed.
If it was the thermostat wouldn't the car run hot. I've drove mine around all day with it not working and it doesn't run hot. I disconnect battery and re connect and it works again. Tell me it's the sensor not the thermostat
@Jason Baker well that sucks hope you figure it out. I havent changed mine yet I don't have the tools needed but as long as resetting the battery still works I'm fine for now
@@travisswiley7663 no it wouldn’t, they like to fail stuck open. So the car will never get to operating temperature, also the code store will default the cooling fans on max speed so even less of a chance for it to get to operating temperature. I’ve replaced many of these thermostats on the new 3.6, without replacing the ect sensor and no comebacks yet.
Try a 1/4" 15mm socket on the sensor. It clears both the sensor and the block much better
My thoughts EXACTLY! GearWrench makes a 1/4" set that includes a 15mm deep. Only set that I'm aware of that makes such a size...
Edit: Tried it, doesn't fit. Open end of wrench with screwdriver through box end works.
Yes!
To everyone having issues getting the sensor out: use a 15mm brake line ratchet head on an extension. Worked like a charm. Just replaced the thermostat and the coolant sensor today. Took about 4 hours, was a pain in the butt, but was easy for the most part. Good luck!!
Thank you, I'm pretty old guy, but use to be a jet mechanic. I lost some confidence and you did a good job and I'm back on this.
That’s awesome you were a jet mechanic and I’m glad my video could possibly help you. You got this!
Excellent video and good camera work. A few comments: 1. Yes on 1/4 inch drive as others have said. 2. Shame on GM for this design. 3. I have the exact same engine and year in my GM SUV with the same failure 4: I am going to studiously search for a better place to pull off the coolant temperature. Maybe a radiator hose tap. The chances of inducing a problem with all this activity can surely be worked around.
A/c and temperature gage working good. No problems at all. Thank you for this video. It help me too. 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
absolutely saved me a ton of time on the clips! Thanks guys, job well done!!
I watched another you tube video where the person cut a craftsman spark plug socket down 1.25 inches with a slight angle and used a 3/8 to 1/4 reducer so he could use a 1/4 inch wobble extension. It gave him more to rotate the sensor for removal and installation. He got the sensor out without removing the intake manifold. I am not sure I trust my luck not to damage the connector the way he did it. Both the videos are good. Thank You
Well done boss. You helped me out a lot. Now I gotta fix my own. Fingers crossed.
Have the same issue going on with the wife’s. I don’t Have a reset tool but popping the positive terminal off and back on after 5 seconds has always reset the issue without it popping up again for a month to even a few months.
Very helpful video, on my job I got all the way to the part where I removed the connector only to find out I was sold the wrong temp sensor (was for the 4cyl model, I assume). So I had to put the whole thing back together. It didn’t matter much anyways because I didn’t have a socket that was long or short enough to get to the nut ring just like you ran into.
I will say that I watched you guys forget to put the connector back on and was like “ohhh noooo” but glad you guys were still able to get it back on.
Haha when we saw that we forgot to connect the connector we weren’t happy to say the least. Lol. To other viewers, definitely pay attention to what your doing which is a slight downside to recording a video and doing a job. Eh, it worked out great and I’m glad you found a work around. Whenever you’re ready to get back to doing the job, make sure to replace the thermostat too. It just makes since for the cost and labor nature of the work itself.
Thank you , well-done for broadcasting this useful video.
I myself learned how to replace the engine coolant temperature sensor , I have the same issue today .
Iraqi Kurdistan Region
Taqtaq town .
I’m glad this video made it there. Thanks for watching
I have a 2017 Buick Lacross with the same problem. Dealer wants $180.00 just to diagnose plus @112.00 an hour to install plus sensor plus tax. Oh Boy. Thanks for the video,its going to make it a lot easier .Jack
Consider changing the thermostat while you’re down there.
😊 nice glad young people still work on cars
Thank you sir you're video was well helpful for me to replace mine also gotten the same part from O'Reilly's and it was $12.58 for it also lifetime warranty 👍🏽👍🏽
Awesome man. Glad this helped!
That's cheap
I think everyone is miss diagnosing a problem with all these engines. It's a P0128 code that is generated along with a steering message, cooling fans run on high, temp gage is driven to 0 and AC is disabled. This code has happened 4 times in 77K miles on my 2018 Acadia. The book has you replace the temp probe and the thermostat as shown in this video. Of all the evidence I see on these videos I don't see any thing that would indicate they are corroded or defective. I think its a soft ware fault, a difference in the calculated temp with the actual temp. My engine/code diagnostic unit(OBD) has not seen any interruption in the CWT (coolant water temp) indications, its usually 168-171' F. Just clear the code with the erase button and everything works fine. I actually went out and bought all the parts thinking I needed to do it repair. I am just going to keep clearing the code every once in a while when It pops up until I see other issues with temp readings or leaks or other irregularities.
Good input.
I should have cleared the code first to see if everything started working again, however, given that it wasn’t my car, I fixed what the ecu was telling me the problem was.
So far, the code hasn’t returned and I believe that if it does, then it’s unrelated to that temp sensor. I could test his old temp sensor and see if it was bad as well. Honestly, this problem being so common leads me down the same road as you. There seems to “possibly” be something up with the cars ecu and not the actual part. Either way, I hope I earned a subscriber and good luck in the future if you have any other issues with your Acadia.
I have a 2017 gmc acadia. Had the steering assist come on once. Reset the battery and everything went off for almost a year. Code came on again cleared it and it went off for a month and now back on.
@@Mustang09Hotty yep, I have cleared this code 5 times. I am going to call GM and try to talk to a technical rep. I have my OBD computer hooked up giving me live data temperature information and had a code presented. There was no change in thermostat water temp at all (no anomaly) So it doesn't seem to be a bad temp probe or a bad thermostat not opening or closing causing a high or low water temp. Not sure what is triggering the limp home mode. Another question is after changing the temp probe and thermostat ( a big deal in shop time) does this come back, No one has presented any info on that.
@@allanmoore4794 I changed the temp sensor the other day and so far everything is fixed and works just fine.
@@Mustang09Hotty Thats swell. Hopefully it fixed it..
i just had this job done thexother day i had them replace the entire thermostat along with the housing and pipe that runs across and sensor plus a coolant flush best to do both while your in there
Smart move for sure.
Did you have a problem locating the paper required to fix the problem? My dealership cannot locate the pattern. 2017 GMC Acadia
My 2019 threw a P0128 same thing with power steering assist check engine light etc. I checked some forums and it’s a pretty common issue with this engine 3.6. Before you replace thermostat or sensor try cleaning negative battery terminal. My temp gauge started working right away
yep the power assist is a electrical power steering box they took away the highdrolic system. but on that the note it monitors the temp sensor so if it goes out it gives you the power assist reduced error.
Couple things i did: Using a 15mm wrench standing up, using a screwdriver for torque. Also used a mini shop vac and pulled on reservoir so coolant doesn't shoot out of hole.
fuck yaaaahhh dude
thank you for you're comment...
Did this on mine - ended up removing the fuel rail to get to it and now the car is running extremely rich and just dumping fuel into those cylinders. Any idea on if these vehicles need some sort of fuel trim relearn? I never unplugged the fuel rail or injectors, just set them up and out of the way. Not sure what I'm missing.
Did you check that your rail/injectors are seated correctly and not leaking?
Supposably if u remove the fuel rail u have to get a tool to reseat the oring thats why no one removes the fuel rail
Wow, THANK YOU guys for doing this video. I’ve been searching for a solution forever. I had a quick question if you’re able to answer? I am able to change my oil with no problem. I also have a full set of car tools, but haven’t really done car work other than oil and very minor things. do you suppose I would be able to do this myself? I am only concerned with not remembering how to get everything out back together properly.
Very well done video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. Now that you know how the connector lock works, would you be able to disconnect it to inspect it or even change it without removing the intake?
Short answer is no. It’s just tucked way down there where you can’t get to it.
Also, thanks. We were pretty thorough with this one given how many time we saw others having with this same issue
I just replaced this on our 2019 Acadia. It worked for a couple of days, and now it's doing the same thing again. Should I replace the thermostat now?
That stupid sensor/thermostat! When the sensor cant read, the computer thinks it is too cold and thinks the steering grease is thick and that's why "steering assist is reduced". I'm starting with the sensor first and hope it is not the thermostat!
Yeah. It is the sensor and the ecu. Lot of people have bad ecu in this gen acadia. Mine does it all the time now. I have a Bluetooth reader i keep in the center console so i can reset the code. And it goes normal for a week then. Pops again. Sometimes it throws the cam position sensor code too. But its something in the ecu hits a faulty current and makes those codes pop. Even after you change the sensors.
I changed this sensor and cleared all the codes and the same problem came back 3 days later. Going to change thermostat now
Did they fix it?
@andre416 yes , thermostat was the issue not the sensor
2018 Acadia V6 54,125 miles same issue happened to mine. Dealer charged $1052 to fix it. Luckily GEICO Mechanical breakdown insurance covered me so I just paid $250 deductible. Anyway, just wondering what will it take for GMC to make this a recall? Plain and simple this shouldn’t happen. Also how long did this process take? I was told 5 hours.
54k is relatively low mileage but I will say a sensor can fail whenever.
It did take a couple hours to get this job done. It was about 3 hours of straight work with recording this video obviously.
You got got it is covered by your power train warranty at 80 k,did mine this morning took 45 min,on Cadillac xt5 same set up.
@@tyeash7822 good to know it's covered in the powertrain warranty. The same code just popped up. 2019 gmc denali 47000 miles.
Awesome video.. I learned something new 🍻
The coolant temp sensor was in a horrible spot so we figured we’d do a detailed video. Glad you enjoyed it.
Alonso, good night, I follow you and make a coolant temperature sensor replacement in a Cadillac XT5 2017, 1 month ago, but today the temperature gauge in the dashboard is down again, I bought the sensor in the Cadillac dealer, can you help me what can I do or check for solve this problem.
It's amazing with the new dealer sensor the problem appears again.
Regards
Have you put a scanner on your car and checked for codes?
@@AlonzoCubano No yet, I specting my friend brinda me the SUV in next 2 days, I'll check and I'll be keep in touch with you, thanks for your fast response
@@AlonzoCubano Good morning, Today my friend bring me the cadillac XT5 2017, shows the code P0128, I tried to clean with my scanner and it can't do it, I need to disconnect the batter for reset the system and the panel shows the real temp (when the suv arrives, the temp gauge is down and the fans work in high speed, can you tell me how solve this problem? Do I need to remove the thermostat? I'll waiting for your answer, Thanks.
Thanks for no answer, Regards
Im havin same issue but in a 2020 with only 31k miles.🤔 im surely gonna try reset 1st.
Just clear that code. Most likely it is software issue and see if this happens again. I had this problem and this is what I did. My truck is running fine.
I heard of others doing this as well. In my buddys case, he chose to just replace it in which we did. It seems like there’s either a software issue or the thermostat that’s causing this issue.
@@AlonzoCubano so switching just the sensor didn't work?
As of 02/2024. In Houston Chevrolet dealers they wanted 1,500 plus tax. To replace censor and thermostat for my 2018 gmc Acadia. I replace it my self. And 2 weeks in and I’m still good. I just save me money. 😅😅😁😁
*WARNING*
When you do this and your brakes dont work properly, the vac hose may be pinched up under/ by the brake fluid reservoir. I was stumped last night why my car wasnt braking properly in the drive way. Then the next morning i saw the hose was pinched. Just a little info, but this video did help out.
Crows foot works wonders
I gotta get me a set of those.
Definitely
Sensor broke in half. Half the sensor is in my hand, the other half is stuck in the block😮
had exact same issue, its not the sensor, its the thermostat failing.
Bull . Thermostat is mechanical. Resetting a code wouldn’t fix it if that as the case
So mine is showing it’s running hot not cold and the fan is continuously running but my car is not running hot what could that be
Try turning on your heat. If it works and temps drop, you may have to replace your thermostat.
@rashajaber3315
Your awesome thank you ❣️
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
Did you change the thermostat also?
I didn’t because my buddy just wanted to fix what the issue was, but I would highly recommend changing it while you’re down there given the amount of work it takes to get there.
I'm in the middle of a long drive and just had the same thing happen. Is car driveable still??
Yes. What I would do if I were you is stop at an auto parts store and ask them to clear the code and see if everything comes back. Temporary fix, but it may help get you to your destination with ac and power steering assist.
Can u bring me the cod no of the o ring seals and thermostat
I have acadia 2018
Was the AC not blowing cold cause of this issue ?
It was a symptom
I replaced on mine and it came back with the same problem after driving for like 200 miles anybody knows why
Hey check the comments section on this video. Lots of good information. Some say thermostat, some say it’s programming and just clear the code again.
You should try using a 15 mm crows foot
In retrospect, a set of crows foot are in my purchasing future.
I called gmc and asked what it cost to replace they told me 800 dollars. Said the fuel rails had to be replaced and all kinds of stuff. I'm like I'll try it myself for that money
Honestly, if you’re slightly mechanically inclined, this is a very doable home garage job. Not saying it’ll be easy, it just is doable.
@Alonzo Cubano I hope so. I've seen a couple videos of it being done without taking it all apart so I'm gonna have to give it a try. So far I just keep disconnecting the battery to reset the sensor
Po128. Replace thermostat. Disconnect battery for ten minutes and your done. It's that easy. Stop kicking this problem down the road. Get a thermostat.
FYI it’s rarely the ECT sensor. It’s the thermostat that goes defective causing it to stick open making the pcm think the ect sensor reading is invalid due to a low coolant temp reading. And P0128 by default kicks cooling fans on high speed.
If it was the thermostat wouldn't the car run hot. I've drove mine around all day with it not working and it doesn't run hot. I disconnect battery and re connect and it works again. Tell me it's the sensor not the thermostat
@@travisswiley7663 I have replaced mine and it is still an issue.
@Jason Baker well that sucks hope you figure it out. I havent changed mine yet I don't have the tools needed but as long as resetting the battery still works I'm fine for now
@@travisswiley7663 no it wouldn’t, they like to fail stuck open. So the car will never get to operating temperature, also the code store will default the cooling fans on max speed so even less of a chance for it to get to operating temperature. I’ve replaced many of these thermostats on the new 3.6, without replacing the ect sensor and no comebacks yet.
Maybe a crow's foot wrench?
Possibly. Not sure if it would have fit but great suggestion.
Wrench used up and down with screwdriver through box end.
Just take intake off easier making it harder