Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Temperature sensors

2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross temperature sensors — what they do and how to look after them

Temperature sensors are absolutely fitted and relevant on the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross (GK) Service Manual and diagnostic literature document multiple temperature inputs used by the Engine-ECU, CVT control, and HVAC system — including the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor (Group 13A: Engine Control), Intake Air Temperature sensor within the MAF/MAP assembly, CVT fluid temperature sensor (Group 22A: CVT), and ambient/evaporator temperature sensors for climate control (Group 55A: Heater & Air Conditioning). Typical OBD fault sets like P0115–P0119 and P0128 are also listed for ECT/IAT faults in Mitsubishi diagnostic references and MUT-III procedures.

On the Eclipse Cross, these sensors quietly keep things sweet under the bonnet and in the cabin. The ECT sensor tells the ECU how hot the engine is so it can trim fuel and ignition, manage cold starts, and kick the radiator fans in when needed. The IAT helps dial in the right air–fuel mix. The CVT’s fluid temperature sensor protects the transmission and can adjust shift logic to keep the drive smooth and the fluid healthy. Up front, the ambient and evaporator sensors help the climate control hold the temp you’ve set without fogging the windscreen or icing the evaporator.

They’re not usually a scheduled replacement item, but a few smart service habits go a long way:

• Keep connectors clean and dry — especially the ECT plug near the thermostat housing and the ambient sensor mounted ahead of the radiator/condensor where road grime builds up.
• Maintain the cooling system on time, fresh coolant and proper bleeding help the ECT read accurately and keep fans cycling correctly.
• If you notice hard cold starts, the temp gauge acting oddly, the A/C refusing to cool properly, or the CVT going protective/limp when hot, scan for codes before throwing parts at it.

Replacement is straightforward for a pro and shouldn’t be needed unless there’s a fault. Use quality OEM-equivalent sensors, follow the workshop manual for torque and sealing where applicable, and top up/bleed coolant if the ECT is swapped. No fancy relearn is typically required, the ECU adapts on the next few drives. A quick post-repair scan to clear codes and confirm live data is good practice.

Popular questions

Does the 2017 Eclipse Cross have an engine coolant temperature sensor, and where is it?
Yes. The ECT sensor is threaded into the engine near the thermostat housing on the 1.5L turbo (4B40). It feeds the ECU with real-time engine temp so the fans, fuel mixture, and cold-start strategy behave as they should.

If it fails or goes out of range, you’ll often see a Check Engine Light and codes like P0115/P0116, rough cold running, or fans running at odd times. A scan of live data will quickly show if the reading is plausible.

What symptoms point to a bad temperature sensor on an Eclipse Cross?
Common giveaways include tough cold starts, rich running, poor fuel economy, erratic radiator fan operation, A/C that’s too warm or cycles strangely, or the CVT shifting oddly when hot. The outside temperature display being way off can hint at an ambient sensor issue.

Scan for OBD codes such as P0115–P0119 or P0128 for engine-related temp faults. HVAC and transmission controllers can also log their own temp-sensor codes that a capable scan tool will read.

Should temperature sensors be replaced during routine servicing?
No. They’re monitored by the ECU and aren’t a time-based service item. Replace only if faulty or damaged, and always check wiring/connectors first — they’re more commonly at fault than the sensor itself.

During regular servicing, ask for a quick inspection of the sensor connectors and harness routing, ensure the cooling system is healthy, and confirm there are no stored temp-related fault codes. That preventative approach keeps the sensors reliable for the long haul.