Ignition, fuel and air
Coolant temperature sensor replacement: what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $15 | $60 |
| Labor: 0.6 to 1 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $66 | $150 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $10 | $25 |
| Total, rounded | $90 | $240 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This sensor tells the computer how hot the engine is. A bad one can cause hard starts, poor mileage, and wrong temperature gauge readings.
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What is usually included
- New coolant temperature sensor
- Top off coolant
- Clear codes
- Test drive
What moves the price
- Sensor location
- Coolant loss while removing it
- Connector or thread damage
- Sensor quality, from budget to OEM
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Was the sensor tested?
- Will coolant be topped off?
- Will you test the sensor and wiring before replacing it?
- Does the gauge match after repair?
Can you do it yourself?
A simple DIY on a cool engine; be ready for a little coolant to spill.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
What are signs of a bad coolant sensor?
Hard starting when cold, cooling fans always on, poor mileage, and a gauge that reads wrong.
Is it a big repair?
No. It is usually a small part that screws into the engine or thermostat housing. The main cost is draining some coolant and refilling it.
Can it set a check engine light?
Yes. A bad sensor sends the wrong temperature, which can hurt mileage, cause hard starts and turn on the light. It can also make the fan run all the time.
How much does coolant temperature sensor replacement cost?
A typical range across the US is $90 to $240. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $100 to $260 |
| New York City area | $95 to $250 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $95 to $260 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $90 to $240 |
| Houston area, Texas | $85 to $230 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $85 to $230 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $90 to $240 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $90 to $240 |
| Miami area, Florida | $85 to $240 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $100 to $260 |
Check-engine codes that lead to this repair
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