Hi all, I have a 99 SC1 with the temp gauge not moving at all from the almost halfway point. Whether its cold or hot.
A few weeks ago, it barely moved from the cold position and I ignored it till one day in heavy traffic it overheated and spewed coolant out of the reservoir.
After that I took it to the mechanic, he pressure tested it, that was fine. He also changed the ects sensor (twice). Now the problem is that the fan is constantly running, and of course the gauge does not move. (stuck at halfway) Even if I unplug the connector from the sensor, I'll start the engine and immediately it will go to almost half way and stay there regardless of how hot or cold the motor is.
Any suggestions would help. I'm flustered. I think changing the thermostat is the next step?

 

Oh, I also pulled out the fan relay so the fan is no longer running for now.

 

Well, with the ECTS disconnected, and the A/C switch turned OFF, the radiator cooling fan should not be energized ... I'd chase that problem first

 

Did he get the ETCS from the dealer and did he also replace the connector? If not thats the first thing on your list.

 

yup dealer parts for ects and connector.
The fact that he changed the ects twice tells me the parts prob ain't right.

I'd leave the fan running when driving for now or you will likely overheat in traffic.
It's just like having the AC on all the time.
In fact if the AC IS on and you have the fan disconnected the chances of overheating are enahnced

Are you losing coolant other than the overheating incident you described?
Any SES light /codes?

 

The sensors were from a NAPA type place and its not leaking any coolant. I know the connector wires are still the original. I dont have A/C, but I'll put the fan relay back in.
What do you mean by the fan shouldnt be energized?

 

Re: ... "energized" ... with the engine COLD (not run in a few hours), and the key in the RUN position but the engine not started, and the ECTS unhooked from its connector, and the fan relay installed --> the cooling fan should not run.

More and more, it is sounding like the ECTS connector has gone bad. I agree with the rest of the group, these parts should be obtained from a GM dealership ... not PepBoys

 

Ok I'll try that.
Thanks!!

 

Remember, get a NEW ETCS & CONNECTOR from the dealer. The ETCS in your car will be a TWO wire and so will the connector. If it is not some dumb *** has already been to the junk yard buying the the wrong crap off of the wrong car. Splice in the NEW connector and solder in place cover with heat shrink tubing.

Things to remember
2 Wire
New ETCS
New Connector
Buy from Dealer

Then we can go from there.