Lotusm50

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Maybe this is described in the Bentley manual, but since I don't have one yet (its on order) let me ask.

Replacing the coolant sensor in the 2.7T is supposed to be one of the easier operations. How do you get the connector off the coolant sensor? The first picture is a picture of it. I know there is a catch on the side of the sensor for it, but how do you un-catch it?

Second, after, moving the accordion air hose somewhat out of the way. There still isn't a lot of room to get your finger in there. The second picture shows a connector that is right in the way. Is it safe to remove this, and if so how do you remove it?

Thanks for the help.

trg

pry gently, moving the screwdriver handle to the right. Moving the tip to the left will disengage a tab farther down the sensor housing and you should be able to wiggle the connector loose and pull it up and off. Sometimes these are a bit finicky, so it may take a couple tries - just don't pry too hard.

For the second one, there's another knurled spot directly opposite the one in the photo; squeezing in on both spots will disengage the connector so you can wiggle/pull it off. You can also unsnap and remove the little silver heat shield, if that gives you a little better view or more room.

Make sure the new sensor is well and fully seated before putting in the retaining clip; sometimes it will seem to be all the way down when it's not, and that stupid plastic clip is easy to break.

Lotusm50

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Thanks for the info. The second one worked just fine. The first one on the other hand, as soon as I put the small screwdriver in the opening, the outside part of the tab snapped. Barely put any pressure at all. Trying a second time, it snapped some more. It was really brittle.

SO i figure I would try an take the coolant sensor out with the connector attached as that might make the connector easier to remove. Of course, the clip broke immediately as I tried to pull it out. (good thing I bought a replacement clip).

You can see the results in the picture. What should have been simple, is now a disaster.

I assume that I can get a replacement connector, Right? I further assume that it would be foolish to drive the car like this so I can't really just drive it somewhere to fix it.

Any suggestions? Assuming a replacement connector is available, I can easily solder it on? But how to I get the sensor out and the connector off? I assume that demolition of the old connector is the easiest way (once I am sure that I can get a replacement). But the rest of the clip (as seen in the photo) doesn't want to budge. If you look closely at the photo, you can see that the legs of the old clip remain on both sides of the sensor (so maybe the sensor is still secure). Help, please.

QCRAZY

First thing to do is get replacement parts before you proceed. Get a new clip then start in again. I would also suggest you get a new o-ring too.

Leave the sensor as is....it's seized right now so don't remove it. If you remove it you won't be able to get it to stay w/o new parts (clip) so you won't be able to drive the car.

With the clip broke you can try pressing the remainder of the clip either way. Try to get a hold and pull or simply push the other way. If you have been pulling up hard then you may want to press it back in to make sure it's not jammed up. You will fight the clip. Be paitent and don't try and use brute force...you found out that doesn't work.


As for the connector, I wouldn't worry about it. When you get the sensor swapped out and go to reinstall the connector...put a small dab of silicone on the connector. Then press it on. The silicone will set and make sure the connector doesn't shake loose. Don't need much...the more you use the harder it will be to remove in the future.

Lotusm50

Thanks. I picked up a new clip and a new o-ring when I got the sensor. I thought it would be prudent, and I was right.

I appreciate the tip about the silicone. The more I looked at it, the more I figured the connector would still be usable, and that I would be able to get it off -- if I got the sensor out.

There is some obvious corrosion in the picture (around the legs of the clip). I'm wondering if there is something that I can apply to it to help dissolve it. This might help free up the legs of the clip as well as the sensor. Is a solvent/lubricant like WD-40 is appropriate, or is something better?

QCRAZY

You could try a little brake cleaner or carb cleaner. Not much...hopefully the spray will clear out most of it. Wipe it down afterwards.