Parts for your 2000 Honda Stream-Temperature sensors

2000 Honda Stream temperature sensors — what they do and how to look after them

Temperature sensors absolutely are fitted to the 2000 Honda Stream and they’re central to how the car runs. Technical references that describe their presence and function include the Honda Stream (RN1–RN5) Service Manual, Cooling System and PGM-FI sections (2000–2005), the Honda D17A/K20A engine control descriptions in Honda workshop literature, and Honda’s OBD‑II DTC references covering ECT/IAT and transmission fluid temperature faults (e.g., P0115–P0119, P0111, P0711). These sources detail the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor, and an automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor on auto models, some trims also use an ambient temp sensor for climate control.

On a 2000 Honda Stream, the ECT sensor tells the ECU how hot the engine coolant is so it can sort out cold-start enrichment, ignition timing, radiator fan operation and closed‑loop fuelling. Many Streams of this era also have a separate sender for the dash gauge. The IAT sensor lets the ECU adjust fuelling and timing for air density. Auto transmissions use a TFT sensor to manage shift quality and protection when things run hot. Together, these temperature sensors keep the engine smooth, efficient and reliable across Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

As part of servicing, it’s smart to cast an eye over the temperature-sensor system when doing coolant and intake checks. Common clues a sensor’s gone crook include hard cold starts, rough idle, thermo fans running at odd times, a dead gauge, poor fuel economy, or a glowing check‑engine light. A quick scan-tool look at live data (ECT and IAT readings from stone cold through warm-up) is the easiest health check, any reading that’s implausible, jumpy, or stuck is a red flag.

Replacement is straightforward with basic tools, but do it with care:

• Let the engine cool fully before touching the ECT. Crack the radiator cap only when it’s cold.
• If swapping the ECT, have a new sealing washer/O‑ring ready and top up with the correct Honda‑spec coolant. Bleed air from the system afterwards.
• Don’t overtighten sensors threaded into alloy housings. Snug plus a fraction is the go if you don’t have torque specs.
• For IAT sensors, check the connector and the O‑ring seal in the intake duct, clean gently if dusty, replace if brittle.

There’s no fixed interval, but many owners opt to replace an ageing ECT proactively around major cooling-system work (e.g., thermostat, radiator, or at ~150–200k km) to stave off intermittent gremlins. Always choose quality, OE‑spec parts so the readings stay accurate.

Popular questions about 2000 Honda Stream temperature sensors

Where is the coolant temperature sensor located?
The ECT sensor is typically threaded into the thermostat housing or cylinder head where coolant flows out, near the upper radiator hose. Some models also have a separate single‑wire sender for the dash gauge in the same area. Access is from the top with the bonnet up, remove the intake ducting if it crowds the workspace.

What are the signs of a failing temperature sensor?
Expect rough cold starts, rich running, poor fuel economy, the radiator fan behaving oddly, a non‑moving temp gauge, or a check‑engine light with codes like P0115–P0119. On autos, hot‑shift flare or limp mode can hint at a dodgy transmission temp sensor. Live data that doesn’t track a natural warm‑up curve is the giveaway.

Should the ECT sensor be replaced with the thermostat?
It’s not mandatory, but it’s a tidy bit of preventative maintenance while the cooling system is open. If the car has north of 150,000 km or there’s any history of intermittent temperature readings, doing the thermostat and ECT together can save a second coolant drain and bleed later.