Oil Temp sensor wiring harness issues

SonicVQ · 04-14-2020, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OilLeaks

I have an EcuTek tune, so I can see all the parameters. It always reads 275 degrees regardless if its cold or hot. I have an ECU on the way so I can test it & see. I'd almost rather it be the ECU because that's easier than tracking down unknown electrical gremlins. 😐

As far as I can see, I think everything else has been ruled out.
I look forward to your update.

OilLeaks · 04-14-2020, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonicVQ

Can you modify the Oil Temp map?
If you can, you could temporarily re-map the high temp to a lower temp and see if the engine runs better.

I know on ECUTek you can:
(Stock map from the top is: 205, 191, 124, 110, 99)

My tuner tried doing that. It wouldn't let it happen. I think it's a safeguard...or the ECU simply can't read the sensor voltage.

OilLeaks · 04-17-2020, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonicVQ

As far as I can see, I think everything else has been ruled out.
I look forward to your update.

**UPDATE**
So I figured out the problem. I swapped the ECU & still got the same high oil temp reading even though I got the proper readings of 5v on the green wire and 0v on the black wire. I decided to do a little more investigation. As it turns out, there was no continuity in the black wire. I replaced that wire and everything started working again. I guess when the previous owner did a repair he didn't do it properly. Apparently, the ECU will default to a high temp reading if the sensor isn't working. I doubt anyone else will have the same problem, but if they do, hope this helps!!

SonicVQ · 04-18-2020, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OilLeaks

**UPDATE**
So I figured out the problem. I swapped the ECU & still got the same high oil temp reading even though I got the proper readings of 5v on the green wire and 0v on the black wire. I decided to do a little more investigation. As it turns out, there was no continuity in the black wire. I replaced that wire and everything started working again. I guess when the previous owner did a repair he didn't do it properly. Apparently, the ECU will default to a high temp reading if the sensor isn't working. I doubt anyone else will have the same problem, but if they do, hope this helps!!

Good news!

However, the reason the ECM showed a high temp, was because of bad wiring.

The engine oil temperature sensor (and the coolant temp sensor) decrease in resistance as warms up, and increases in temperature as it cools. This is known as a negative temperature co-efficient sensor (NTC)

Since the ECM reported a very hot temp, the resistance it saw was very LOW, like a partial short to ground.

When the sensor is cold, the resistance is very high. If the sensor is disconnected, it will show as -40, because with the sensor being removed is a (very) high resistance.

Anyway, I'm glad you got it all sorted out!
Thanks for the update.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
wiring harness for my Z	boby370z	Audio & Video	6	03-19-2019 10:11 AM
[WTB] Looking for Electrical wiring harness/engine harness part #240121TG6A	Goinpostal	Parts for sale (Private Classifieds)	1	04-14-2017 12:02 PM
Wiring Harness	friedman	Nissan 370Z Warranty / Scheduled Maintenance / Servicing / Repairs	3	11-03-2015 03:31 PM
Wiring harness Q	Haulnz	Audio & Video	5	03-06-2011 07:29 PM
wiring harness	510z	Audio & Video	4	04-30-2009 07:05 PM