2000 Toyota Solara 3.0 Sensor question

Had to replace radiator on this car. I remembered to get the sensor that screws into to the radiator at the bottom near the lower radiator hose connection point to transfer over to new radiator. But alas job got interrupted and I lost the old sensor. So I have to buy a new one. The hole on the radiator that the sensor screws into look like M16 threads. But all the sensors (coolant temp sensors) the parts stores have to sell have M12 sized threads. I am not even sure what this sensor is. Alldata says the coolant temp sensors (two of them) mount on top of the engine. So I am stumped as to what this sensor that screws into the base of the radiator even is, and how to find the correct replacement. Any ideas guys?

Thanks!

Pop

Sounds like you are looking for an old style radiator fan thermal switch rather than a temperature sensor .

I did a quick check and Toyota V6 radiator fan thermostat switches for 1998 to 2002 are M16x1.5mm but I can't help you with part number.

I'm wondering if that's a gauge sender. I found this item on RockAuto that seems to match your description:



I'm not saying you want to put a GPD sensor in your car. :silly: But that might get you pointed in the right direction.

The wiring diagrams are a little vague. The engine diagram only shows one ECT, and the instrumentation diagram shows a temp sender with only one wire. As a fun test, you could measure voltage on both wires KOEO. Then, use a test light to short them together. If your coolant temp gauge now starts swinging hot, you know you're on the right track.

I pulled this Part # 8942841010, off of Alldata, for the cooling fan switch.

parts.toyota.com/p/63538696/8942841010.html

I think Chad is on the right track. Dug around the wiring diagrams and found this:



Do the wire colors match? Blue/white and white/black.

Searching for a cooling fan switch takes you here on RockAuto:

www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,2000,...ator+fan+switch,4312

Thanks guys. I ordered both the GPD from rock auto as well as a beck arnely from amazon. The GPD had threads that were too small despite what the description said. But the Beck Arnley from Amazon is perfect. Thanks all for your help!

Pop