Parts for your 2013 Toyota Hiace-Temperature sensors

2013 Toyota Hiace Temperature Sensors — What They Do and How to Look After Them

Temperature sensors are absolutely fitted to the 2013 Toyota Hiace and are central to how the van runs and protects itself. Technical sources that confirm this include Toyota’s Repair Manual for the 200 Series Hiace (KDH/TRH), Engine Control (ECT) diagnostics, Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for the 1KD‑FTV diesel and 2TR‑FE petrol, Toyota Electrical Wiring Diagram (EWD) for 2013 Hiace, and Toyota’s OBD‑II DTC listings (e.g., P0115/P0116 Engine Coolant Temp, P0110 Intake Air Temp, P0713 ATF Temp, P0183 Fuel Temp, P242A Exhaust Temp). Across these factory references, the Hiace uses multiple temperature sensors: engine coolant temperature (ECT), intake air temperature (IAT), ambient temp for A/C, transmission fluid temp (on autos), fuel temp (diesel), and on DPF‑equipped diesels, exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensors.

In day‑to‑day terms, these sensors help the ECU pick the right fuel and timing when cold, trigger the radiator fans, manage glow and after‑glow on the diesel, protect the transmission, and on DPF models, keep the filter regen safe and effective. When a temp sensor goes out of whack, you might cop hard starting, rich running, lazy performance, high fuel use, a roaring fan, or warning lights.

They’re generally maintenance‑free, but they still deserve attention during servicing:

• During cooling system work, inspect the ECT sensor and connector under the bonnet for corrosion, coolant leaks at the sensor seat, or brittle wiring. A quick scan‑tool check of live data (cold start close to ambient, smooth warm‑up to about 80–95°C) is a simple health check.
• On 1KD‑FTV diesels, confirm IAT and fuel temp values are plausible, especially if chasing cold‑start smoke or rattly running. For DPF models, verify EGT sensors respond and that no DPF or temp‑related DTCs are stored.
• If replacing an ECT sensor, drain enough coolant to drop the level below the sensor, swap the sensor and seal, then refill with the correct Toyota Super Long Life Coolant. Bleed air properly and confirm fan operation and temperature readings. Tighten to the spec in the factory manual and avoid overtightening the brass body.
• For autos, make sure ATF level and condition are right, the temp sensor is integrated in the transmission’s internal harness and is validated by checking ATF temp via scan tool when setting level.

Replace any suspect sensor when readings are erratic, out of range, or when DTCs recur after proper testing. Using quality parts and keeping connectors clean goes a long way to keeping a Hiace happy across Aussie and Kiwi kilometres.

Popular questions about 2013 Toyota Hiace temperature sensors

Where is the coolant temperature sensor on a 2013 Hiace?
The ECT sensor is typically screwed into the thermostat housing or cylinder head water outlet. On many 1KD‑FTV diesels it sits near the top radiator hose outlet under the intake plumbing. A torch and a small mirror help, and accessing it may be easier with some intake ducting removed.

Can you keep driving with a dodgy temperature sensor?
It’s not recommended. A faulty ECT can make the engine run rich, hammer fuel economy, and mess with fan control, while a failed EGT on DPF models can halt regenerations and risk DPF damage. Get codes read, confirm live data, and fix it before a small nuisance becomes a bigger bill.

Do diesel Hiace models have more than one temp sensor?
Yes. Besides the ECT and IAT, the 1KD‑FTV diesel uses a fuel temperature sensor. DPF‑equipped variants also run multiple exhaust gas temperature sensors around the DPF to monitor and manage regeneration safely.