Parts for your 2001 Daihatsu Gran move-Temperature sensors

2001 Daihatsu Gran Move temperature sensors — what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources confirm the 2001 Daihatsu Gran Move (also sold as the Pyzar) is fitted with temperature sensors. The factory workshop manual for the G3-series Gran Move/Pyzar (EFI and Engine Mechanical sections), the Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue, and standard wiring diagrams used in professional service data all show an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor, with some variants also using an intake air temperature (IAT) sensor and a radiator fan thermo switch. These aren’t optional extras, they’re core to how the ECU runs the engine.

On this model, the ECT sensor tells the ECU how hot the engine is so it can sort cold-start enrichment, idle speed, ignition timing and, depending on variant, cooling fan strategy. Many Gran Moves also have a separate dash gauge sender, so the gauge can read independently of the ECU. When everything is healthy, the result is tidy cold starts, steady idle and decent fuel economy across town and on the open road.

Servicing-wise, temperature sensors aren’t a scheduled replacement item, but they’re worth attention whenever coolant is changed or the cooling system is opened. Fresh, correct-spec coolant and proper bleeding help prevent air pockets that can trick the sensor into bad readings. It’s smart to check the ECT connector for green corrosion, brittle wiring or coolant wicking. A quick scan of live data should show coolant temperature matching ambient at cold start, big gaps suggest a lazy sensor. An infrared thermometer at the thermostat housing is a handy cross-check.

Common symptoms of a crook ECT or related sensor include hard cold starts, rough high idle, rich running or black smoke, poor fuel economy, a cooling fan that runs all the time (or not at all), and a temp gauge that acts oddly (often the separate gauge sender). Any of these on a Gran Move should prompt a code read and a basic cooling-system health check.

• Replacement tips: work on a cool engine, catch and dispose of coolant properly, fit a new sealing washer if required, and tighten to the workshop manual spec.
• Good practice: pair a failing ECT replacement with a new thermostat if age is unknown, and keep coolant changes on schedule to protect sensors and alloy components.

Popular questions

Where is the engine coolant temperature sensor on a 2001 Gran Move?

On most Gran Move/Pyzar engines of this era, the ECT sensor sits near the thermostat housing or on the cylinder head close to the upper radiator hose outlet. It’s typically a two‑pin sensor. Some vehicles also have a separate single‑wire sender for the dash gauge in the same general area.

What are the signs a Gran Move temperature sensor is failing?

Owners often notice hard cold starts, a hunting or high idle, sooty exhaust, poor fuel use, or a cooling fan that runs constantly. The check engine light may be on with an ECT-related fault code, and live data will show implausible coolant temperatures compared to ambient.

Can the car run with the ECT sensor unplugged?

The ECU usually defaults to a fail‑safe value, which can make the mixture rich and the idle high, and may force the fan on. The car may run, but it won’t run well and fuel economy will suffer, so it’s strictly a get‑home or diagnostic measure, not a fix.