The Mazda 626 was equipped with several different engines, but all engines were equipped with an electronic temperature gauge. The gauge reads the signal produced by a coolant temperature sensor within the engine. When the sensor is defective, it simply stops working rather than slowly losing its accuracy. Fortunately, replacing the sensor in a 626 is a straightforward task.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the radiator cap from the passengers side of the top of the radiator after allowing the engine to cool.
2Open the radiator draincock at the bottom of the radiator with a wrench and allow it to drain, then close the draincock.
3Locate the temperature sensor on the top of the water outlet. The water outlet is located on the top of the engine, on the end of the cylinder head.
4Pull the single wire located on the tip of the sensor off the sensor.
5Rotate the sensor in a counterclockwise direction with a wrench until the sensor detaches from the water outlet.
6Count the first three threads on the replacement sensors threaded rod starting from the bottom of the rod to find the gasket sealants application area. Gasket sealant must not be applied to the bottom three threads.
7Apply gasket sealant to the application area of the replacement sensor.
8Rotate the sensor in a clockwise direction with a wrench until the sensor is secured to the water outlet.
9Plug the sensors single wire into the tip of the sensor.
10Refill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of water and ethylene glycol antifreeze that is labeled as safe to use with aluminum radiators, then tighten the radiator cap onto the radiator.