Parts for your 2013 Honda Stream-Temperature sensors

2013 Honda Stream temperature sensors — what they do and how to look after them

Temperature sensors are absolutely fitted and relevant on the 2013 Honda Stream. Honda’s own technical sources — including the Stream (RN6–RN9) service manual, Honda electronic parts catalogues, and the factory diagnostic lists for OBD‑II trouble codes — all reference the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor (codes P0115–P0119) and the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor (codes P0110–P0114). Many trims also use transmission fluid temperature and HVAC temperature sensors. That confirms the 2013 Stream relies on multiple temperature sensors for normal operation.

On this model, the ECT sensor is the star player. It tells the engine control unit how hot the coolant is so the car can adjust fuelling and ignition timing, kick the radiator fans on, show an accurate gauge reading, and protect the engine if things get too warm. The IAT sensor helps the ECU fine‑tune air–fuel mix as the weather changes. Transmission fluid temperature helps the auto or CVT shift smoothly and look after itself. Cabin and ambient sensors keep the climate control behaving sensibly.

They’re generally low‑maintenance parts and aren’t on a scheduled replacement list. Still, as the car clocks up the kilometres, connectors can corrode, wiring can harden near hot spots, and sensors can drift out of spec. Telltales include hard cold starts, rich running, high idle, the radiator fan running when it shouldn’t, a lazy temp gauge, poor fuel economy, or a check engine light. A quick scan for codes and a live‑data check usually pinpoints which sensor is grumpy.

When replacing the ECT sensor, it’s smart practice to:

• Work on a cold engine, relieve cooling system pressure, and catch any coolant.
• Fit a quality OEM‑equivalent sensor with a new seal/washer and reconnect with dielectric grease on the plug.
• Refill with Honda Type 2 coolant and bleed the system properly to avoid air pockets.
• Tighten to factory spec and verify with live data and a fan‑cycle test.

Preventive care is simple: keep coolant fresh and at the right mix, inspect harnesses around the thermostat housing and intake ducting, and deal with any stored temperature‑related codes promptly. Done right, the Stream’s temperature sensors quietly keep the engine smooth, efficient, and happy in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Popular questions about 2013 Honda Stream temperature sensors

Are temperature sensors a service item on a 2013 Honda Stream?
They’re not a routine replacement item. They’re checked when there are symptoms or fault codes. If diagnostics show a sluggish or out‑of‑range reading, replacement is straightforward and usually restores proper behaviour.

Where is the coolant temperature sensor on a 2013 Honda Stream?
It’s typically threaded into or near the thermostat housing on the cylinder head. Access is under the bonnet, always let the engine cool and depressurise the system before unplugging or removing it to avoid hot coolant.

What symptoms point to a failing temperature sensor?
Common signs include hard cold starts, uneven idle, poor fuel economy, a temp gauge that seems off, radiator fans running constantly or not at all, and a check engine light with temperature‑related codes like P0115–P0119.