Parts for your 1996 Daihatsu Gran move-Temperature sensors

1996 Daihatsu Gran Move temperature sensors: what they do and how to look after them

Based on the Daihatsu G300/G301 Workshop Manual (covering Gran Move/Pyzar) and Daihatsu EFI diagnostic training material for the HC‑EJ engine family, the 1996 Daihatsu Gran Move does use temperature sensors. These include an Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor for the ECU, a separate coolant temperature sender for the dash gauge, and an Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor used by the fuel and spark maps. Autodata service information for mid‑’90s Daihatsu small MPVs also lists ECT and IAT inputs as required signals for the factory engine management. So temperature sensors are definitely relevant and fitted to this model.

On this tidy little people‑mover, the temperature sensors are the quiet achievers that keep the 1.5‑litre running sweet as. The ECT tells the ECU how warm the engine is, so cold starts, idle speed, fan control, and fuelling aren’t guesswork. The dash sender feeds the gauge so the driver can spot drama under the bonnet. The IAT helps fine‑tune mixtures as air density changes with Kiwi and Aussie weather. When they drift out of spec, the Gran Move can chew more petrol, idle rough, kick the thermo fan on late, or feel a bit doughy.

They’re not a scheduled replacement item, but they’re worth checking at service time—especially on higher‑kilometre cars:

• Look for brittle plugs, green corrosion on terminals, and weeping around sensor threads or O‑rings.
• Scan for fault codes and live data, a stone‑cold engine showing “warm” ECT or an IAT stuck at one value is a giveaway.
• Test sensor resistance against the workshop manual chart and confirm good earths.
• Keep the cooling system healthy—old coolant and air pockets can mislead the ECT and upset fan control.

Replacement is straightforward with basic tools. Let the engine cool, depressurise the system, and catch any coolant. Swap the sensor with a quality part, fit a fresh seal, and torque to spec. Top up with the correct coolant mix and bleed thoroughly so the ECU sees true temps. After fitting, clear any stored codes and confirm fan cut‑in and gauge behaviour on a proper warm‑up. Using reputable parts pays off—cheap thermistors can read a few degrees off, and that’s all it takes to nudge fuel economy and drivability the wrong way.

Look after these little sensors and the Gran Move will stay perky, economical, and relaxed in summer traffic.

Where is the coolant temperature sensor on a 1996 Daihatsu Gran Move?

It’s typically threaded into the cylinder head or thermostat housing area, with a two‑pin plug for the ECU. A separate single‑pin sender for the dash gauge is nearby on many engines. Exact placement can vary slightly by market, so a quick peek under the upper radiator hose area usually finds it.

What are common signs the ECT sensor is failing?

Hard cold starts, high idle that won’t settle, rich‑smelling exhaust, poor fuel economy, cooling fan kicking in late or running constantly, and a temp gauge that seems out of step with how the engine feels. A scan tool showing unrealistic temperature readings is the clincher.

Does the Gran Move have separate sensors for the ECU and the dash gauge?

Yes, most 1996 Gran Move setups use a two‑wire ECT for the ECU and a separate one‑wire sender for the instrument cluster. That’s why the gauge can look fine while the ECU is being misled—or vice versa.