Parts for your 2016 Mitsubishi Asx-Temperature sensors

2016 Mitsubishi ASX temperature sensors — what they do and how to look after them

Temperature sensors are absolutely used on the 2016 Mitsubishi ASX. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Motors workshop manual for the 2016 ASX/RVR/Outlander Sport (Engine Control/MPI, CVT/Automatic Transaxle, and Heating & Air Conditioning sections) and Mitsubishi DTC references confirm the vehicle is fitted with multiple temperature sensors: engine coolant temperature (ECT), intake air temperature (IAT), CVT fluid temperature, and HVAC ambient/evaporator sensors. These components are referenced by typical Mitsubishi fault codes such as P0115–P0119 (ECT), P0110–P0114 (IAT), and P0711 (transmission fluid temperature), and are shown in the OE service wiring diagrams and parts catalogues.

The 2016 ASX relies on temperature sensors to keep things running sweet as. The ECT sensor tells the engine computer how hot the coolant is so it can manage warm‑up fuel enrichment, ignition timing, fan operation, and even idle speed. The IAT sensor lets the ECU account for the density of the air going in, helping fuel economy and driveability from chilly mornings to blazing arvo heat. In CVT models, the transmission fluid temperature sensor protects the unit by adjusting line pressure and shift strategy, and can trigger limp‑home if the fluid overheats. Up front, the ambient and evaporator temperature sensors inform the HVAC so the air‑con cools quickly, avoids evaporator freeze, and the dash shows an accurate outside temp.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for these sensors, they’re solid‑state thermistors and generally fail only with age, contamination, or wiring issues. As part of regular servicing (say every 20,000–30,000 km), a workshop should:

• Scan live data to confirm sensible readings (coolant temp close to thermostat rating once warm, IAT near ambient at start‑up).
• Inspect connectors and looms for corrosion, coolant wicking, or rub‑through, especially near the thermostat housing and CVT case.
• Check cooling system health — correct coolant type and strength, no leaks — as poor coolant can skew ECT readings.

Signs a temp sensor is on the fritz include hard cold starts, rich running, high idle, fans stuck on, erratic A/C performance, or CVT overheat warnings. Diagnosis beats guesswork: verify with scan data and basic resistance checks against the service manual chart. When replacing, use quality OEM‑spec parts, fit a new O‑ring where applicable, and on the ECT sensor expect a little coolant loss — top up and bleed properly. Clear codes and recheck live data on a proper road test. Keeping these little sensors honest helps the ASX run efficiently, keeps the CVT happy, and saves fuel on long Kiwi or Aussie road trips.

Where is the engine coolant temperature sensor on a 2016 ASX?

On the 2.0‑litre petrol, the ECT sensor is threaded into the thermostat housing area on the cylinder head side of the engine. It’s a small two‑pin sensor, access is from the top with the engine cover off. Diesel placements vary slightly but remain near the coolant outlet.

Do temperature sensors need routine replacement?

No. They’re “inspect and replace if faulty” items. During services, it’s smart to check live data, wiring, and coolant condition. Replace only if readings are implausible, wiring is damaged, or a related DTC confirms failure.

What fault codes point to a bad temp sensor on the ASX?

Common ones include P0115–P0119 for the ECT, P0110–P0114 for the IAT, and P0711 for CVT fluid temperature. Fan running constantly, poor cold start, or A/C cutting out can also hint at a sensor or wiring issue.