So, I've been looking for a sensor to replace my coolant temperature sensor for the last two weeks. I've pulled one at the salvage yard only to find that it was broken too. I've gone to Checker Auto. I've gone to Autozone. I've been to the dealer. I've ordered this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...7975091&rd=1,1 and tried in vain to install it. And I've been to NAPA and had the wrong one ordered and tried to install that. I've drained the coolant four times and removed my sensor four times only to put it back in when the replacement failed. But, I think I've finally figured it out. My coolant temperature gauge sensor is called a fan switch by everyone in the free world. Why? I don't know. But the sensor attached to the wire that, when grounded, makes my gauge move looks exactly like this... http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...ant+Fan+Switch And I pray to the ever living God that they are at least the functional equivalent.

 

just go to Nissan. Its dirt cheap there. I think i paid 20 something for both the sensor and the retaining nut. Just make sure they know its the temp SENDER and not the temp SENSOR. The pic you linked at the bottom of your thread looks to be the thermotime switch (for the cold start valve) BTW.

 

It may well be. I just got that sensor yesterday and installed it only to discover that my temp gauge was still buried. Then it dawned on me, maybe the previous owner switched the temp gauge wire and the fan sensor wire. So, I switched them back and it's fixed.

 

haha...sometimes its the little things

 

I got mine from RockAuto.com and from BlackDragonAuto.com