Switch & Sensors
Switches and sensors have multiple functions depending on where they are situated in your vehicle. More modern-day cars have a higher number of switches and sensors, as they feature more advanced tools such as car computers and air conditioning systems. Though they may be small in size, cooling switches and sensors play a vital role in regulating temperature, and are responsible for carrying heat from the vehicle to the air outside. If your vehicle has a mechanical thermostat, you'll also find a cooling fan switch that regulates the temperature of your engine, and in simple terms, tells your fan when to stop and start. More modern day vehicles with computer systems use a cooling sensor to identify engine temperature. From here, the computer will use data from the sensor to operate the cooling fan to prevent your engine from overheating. A broken switch or cooling sensor can cause long-term damage to your car's electrical parts, which if left alone while faulty - could cost you a lot of money in repairs. All our switches and sensors are available to purchase online. What's more, with our free click & collect and delivery services, getting hold of your products has never been easier. To protect your engine and all its electric parts, enter your vehicle registration number into our tool, and watch our system pull all the products suitable for your car. If you need assistance or a professional fitting service, head to your local Autocentres local Autocentres - opens in a new tab to speak to one of our team.
Cooling Switch and Sensors FAQs
How to check a coolant temp sensor?
Usually you'd start by plugging in a scanner to see if it's giving odd readings. If the temperature looks way off or jumps around, that's a sign something's not right. Some people also test it with a multimeter, but if you're not into that, a quick diagnostic check does the job.
Can a bad coolant temperature sensor cause a car to stall?
Yes, it can. If the sensor sends the wrong information, the engine can end up running too rich or too lean. That can mess with how the car runs and sometimes even make it stall.
Is the coolant temperature sensor the same as the thermostat?
No, they're different things. The sensor just reads the temperature and sends that information to the car. The thermostat actually controls the flow of coolant. They work together, but they're not the same part.
How long does a car transmission last?
Some gearboxes last well over 100,000 miles, especially if the car's been driven carefully and looked after properly.
How often should you service your gearbox?
A lot of people leave it until there's a problem, but checking the gearbox oil and condition now and then is usually a good idea.
How long does a gearbox service take?
It's often done the same day, though it depends on the car and whether anything else needs sorting at the same time.