Parts for your 2012 Honda Cr-v-Temperature sensors

2012 Honda CR‑V Temperature Sensors

Based on the Honda 2012 CR‑V Service Manual (Engine Controls, Cooling and HVAC sections), OEM parts catalogues, and common workshop databases (e.g., ALLDATA and Mitchell 1), the 2012 Honda CR‑V is fitted with several temperature sensors. These include the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor, intake air temperature (IAT) sensor, ambient/outside air temperature sensor for the climate control, and an evaporator temperature sensor. Many models also monitor automatic transmission fluid temperature. So yes—temperature sensors are absolutely relevant and used on this vehicle.

Temperature sensors are the quiet achievers that help the CR‑V run sweet as. The ECT sensor tells the ECU how warm the engine is so it can manage cold starts, fuel metering, ignition timing, idle speed, and when to kick the radiator fans on. The IAT sensor helps fine‑tune fuel delivery by reporting the density of incoming air. The ambient and evaporator sensors let the HVAC system deliver stable cabin temps and help protect the A/C from icing or poor performance.

There’s no set replacement interval for these sensors, they’re replaced when faulty. As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to scan live data and check readings from cold start to operating temp, verify the dash gauge behaves, and inspect sensor plugs and wiring under the bonnet for oil, coolant, or corrosion. Use the correct Honda Type 2 coolant and keep the cooling system healthy—overheating and contaminated coolant are common culprits behind ECT grief.

• Common signs a temperature sensor’s on the way out: hard cold starts, high idle or stalling, rich running and poor fuel economy, erratic temp gauge, radiator fans stuck on or never coming on, A/C blowing the wrong temp, or engine codes like P0117/P0118 (ECT) and P0112/P0113 (IAT).

When it’s time to replace an ECT sensor, let the engine cool fully, depressurise the system, and catch any coolant. Swap the sensor and sealing washer if specified, reconnect the harness, then refill and bleed the cooling system. Tighten to factory spec—no gorilla grip needed. For the ambient sensor (usually at the front bumper), check it after a nose‑to‑tail tap, a bent bracket or broken plug can throw the climate control way off. With quality parts and a quick calibration check on a scan tool, the CR‑V will be back to running reliably across Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Popular questions about 2012 Honda CR‑V temperature sensors

Where is the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor located?
On most 2012 CR‑V models, the ECT sensor is threaded into the cylinder head near the thermostat housing and upper radiator hose area, on the intake side of the engine. Access can be a bit tight, so a cool engine and proper socket help a lot.

Do temperature sensors need regular replacement?
Not typically. They’re “fit and forget” until symptoms or a fault code pop up. Regular checks during servicing—scanning live data, confirming fan operation, and inspecting connectors—helps catch issues early without unnecessary parts swapping.

Can a bad ECT sensor cause overheating or fan issues?
It can cause incorrect fan operation and poor fueling, which may contribute to overheating. However, true overheating is more often due to low coolant, a sticking thermostat, a weak water pump, or a blocked radiator. Always diagnose the cooling system as a whole.