Parts for your 1999 Honda Accord-Temperature sensors

1999 Honda Accord temperature-sensors

Temperature-sensors are absolutely fitted to the 1999 Honda Accord. The factory Honda Accord 1998–2002 Service Manual (Helm) details the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor and Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor as key inputs to the powertrain control module. The Haynes/Chilton repair manuals for the same years, along with Honda’s parts catalogues, also cover diagnosis and replacement of these sensors on both the 2.3L four-cylinder and 3.0L V6 models.

What do these temperature-sensors actually do? The ECT sensor measures coolant temperature, which the ECU uses to sort out cold starts, idle speed, ignition timing, fuelling, radiator fan operation and the dash gauge. The IAT sensor reads the air temperature entering the engine, helping the ECU trim fuel for changing weather and altitude so the Accord doesn’t run rich on a chilly morning or lean on a scorching arvo. Many auto-trans models also monitor transmission fluid temperature, and climate-control variants use additional temp sensors for cabin comfort.

They don’t have a fixed replacement interval, but they’re worth a check during regular servicing—especially once the car is well past 150,000–200,000 kilometres. A crook temperature-sensor can cause hard cold starts, rough idle, poor fuel economy, black smoke, the cooling fans running at odd times, or an overheating warning with no real overheat. Common fault codes include P0116–P0119 (ECT) and P0112/P0113 (IAT).

Handy maintenance and replacement tips under the bonnet:

• Scan first: with a cold engine, ECT should read close to ambient