Parts for your 2011 Honda Cr-v-Temperature sensors

2011 Honda CR‑V Temperature-Sensors

Temperature-sensors are absolutely used on the 2011 Honda CR‑V. Technical sources including the Honda CR‑V 2007–2011 Service Manual (Cooling System, PGM‑FI, A/T and HVAC sections), as well as professional databases like Autodata and ALLDATA, identify multiple factory‑fitted temperature sensors: the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor, intake air temperature (IAT) sensor, automatic transmission fluid temperature (ATF temp) sensor, and an ambient/outside air temperature sensor for the climate control and dash display.

On this third‑gen CR‑V, temperature-sensors do a heap of behind‑the‑scenes work to keep things sweet. The ECT sensor tells the ECU how warm the engine is so it can adjust fuel, ignition timing, idle speed and kick the radiator fans on when needed, it also feeds the temperature gauge. The IAT sensor helps the ECU correct fueling for air density changes, improving cold starts and fuel economy across Aussie and Kiwi climates. The ATF temp sensor protects the auto by managing shift timing and line pressure when the fluid is cold or running hot. The ambient air sensor informs the HVAC logic and the outside temp readout, so the air‑con behaves properly on stinking hot days.

There’s no set replacement interval for these sensors, they’re generally “replace on condition.” Signs of trouble include hard cold starts, rough running, poor fuel economy, fans running constantly or not at all, odd temp gauge behaviour, misreported outside temp, or DTCs such as P0116–P0119 (ECT), P0128 (coolant temp/thermostat), P0111–P0113 (IAT) or P0710 (ATF temp). A proper diagnosis uses scan data to compare live temperatures against a known good reading (an IR thermometer on the thermostat housing is handy), plus wiring checks as outlined in the Honda manual.

As part of servicing, it’s smart to:

• Inspect connectors and loom routing for chafe, oil or coolant contamination.
• Check for coolant leaks around the ECT area and keep the system full of Honda Type 2 coolant, air pockets can fool the sensor.
• Gently clean the IAT sensing tip if dusty, avoid harsh cleaners and don’t touch the element.
• Avoid pressure‑washing the ambient sensor behind the grille.

If an ECT needs replacing, let the engine cool, relieve pressure, unplug the connector, swap the sensor (fitting any specified O‑ring/washer), refill with the correct coolant, bleed air per the manual, then clear codes and road‑test. Always torque fasteners to spec from the Honda service manual. For the IAT and ambient sensors, replacement is usually straightforward—unplug, unclip, and refit—just take care with the fragile sensing element.

Popular questions about 2011 Honda CR‑V temperature-sensors

Where is the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor on a 2011 CR‑V?
It’s typically threaded into the cylinder head near the thermostat housing, close to the upper radiator hose. Under the bonnet, look toward the driver’s side of the head on the K‑series engine—access is from above once the engine cover is off.

What are common symptoms of a bad temperature-sensor on this model?
Cold‑start issues, rich fuel use, high or hunting idle, radiator fans that never switch on (or run constantly), a lazy temperature gauge, harsh or delayed shifts (auto), weak A/C performance on hot days, and fault codes like P0116–P0119, P0128, P0111–P0113 or P0710.

Do these sensors need routine replacement?
Nah—there’s no scheduled interval. They’re replaced when testing shows they’re out of spec or the wiring is crook. Regular inspections and correct coolant maintenance go a long way to keeping them happy.