thaeleelyr

I'm having a problem finding a temperature sensor that fits. I'm hunting down the proper Toyota/Lexus number for my vehicle, but I'm curious if anyone else has had this issue.

So far the ones I've been finding have been too small. I have the larger 27mm radiator. I'm wondering if it is the difference between the 16mm and 27 mm radiator. Any thoughts?

fastnoypi

order it through your dealer parts counter by giving your VIN

salimshah

Excellent advise from fatnoypi.

Thaeleelyr: RX has coolant temp switch and temp sensor. The first one is open/close, the other gives a range of resistance based on the temperature. The switch controls the cooling fans while the sensor gives input to the ECU and the temp gauge.

Salim

thaeleelyr

We should be able to have a discussion about aftermarket parts without getting admonished to get the part from a dealership. People either don't want to go through a dealership or, as in this case, they can't give a definitive answer based on the VIN. If simply calling the dealership elicited all answers through their copious cooperation, there wouldn't be any need for this forum.

I didn't ask about how to go about getting the part, I asked if anyone had experience with different sized sensors based on the radiator size.

fastnoypi

you never asked about aftermarket solutions in your original post. If your radiator is original, the dealer parts counter should be able to locate the proper part based on your VIN and year.

Otherwise you can try ordering from any other aftermarket supplier catalog based on year alone or measuring the sensor bung size and thread pitch.

You still have a probability it will not be calibrated to your ecu going aftermarket, and may affect fuel trims as a result.

carguy07

Pretty sure the one in the radiator is a "fan switch" and does not feed back info (other than to kick the fans on) to the ecu. I'm wondering if you are buying the other one that is probably located up by the thermostat. I'll see if I can confirm.

What part #'s have you been trying?

salimshah

Who is admonishing who and how? Did I state something to upset you? Maybe too much information form my side and it could be not welcome.

Admonishing from mods happens by private mail. It is counter productive to admonish anyone in public. *

People have varying experience at the dealership. I have personally witnessed people behind the parts counter going out of the way to help customers. Yes their parts price is higher, but no one is forced into purchasing from them. It is free market and if they are priced too high they will not have business.

You can look up the online parts and save yourself the call. The clear advantage is you get genuine parts and the right part There is current thread on spark plugs.

* Mods and Super Mods are there to monitor and administer rules and keep a level of decorum. If you have an issue with a member and which can not be resolved by PM, please contact the mod of your choice. If you have an issue with a certain mod , once again PM directly or contact Senior mod.

Salim

carguy07

Guessing you are looking for # 89428-41010 or equivalent, but have been buying # 89422-35010. Looks like the one that goes in the radiator is stubby and the one that goes up by the thermostat has a long probe. There might even be a 3rd sensor in the head or block.

carguy07

carguy07