Replaced Radiator - what is this wire?! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

PDXterra · 08-12-2005, 10:46 PM

So I replaced a cracked radiator on my 1990 Celica GT (is has an AT with O/D, no A/C) and now I have no idea what this plug is, or where it goes. I ordered the new radiator online, and stupidly tossed the cracked radiator before I received my new one, so I can't compare the two. I have a bad feeling my replacement radiator isn't the right one.

I *know* this harness was plugged in on the old radiator, because the connector is sparkling clean and the rest of the engine is dirty as hell.

Here's a photo of the harness, the wire dissappears beneath the alternator. The second photo is the bottom portion of the radiator, with drain holes on the left and right of the coolant pipe. I could swear that on the cracked radiator, there was a connector for my harness right about here....? ? Anyone?

Many thanks!

Rick89GTS · 08-13-2005, 12:49 AM

I believe the 5SFE had at the bottom passenger side of the radiator, a fitting for the coolant temp sensor. That's what it looks like to me. Is your radiator fan operating correctly?

lcarocha · 08-13-2005, 01:06 AM

Temp sensor for the rad dude

canadiancelica · 08-13-2005, 09:32 AM

in the bottom picture, that little screw in thingy to our right of the coolant hose, that's supposed to come out and you're supposed to put the coolant temp sensor in there, you probobly threw it out, therefore you ned to order a new one from toyota, about $100.

John

PDXterra · 08-13-2005, 11:33 AM

Crap, that's what I was fearing. Another friggin' $100....ugh. I haven't filled the radiator with coolant yet (fortunately), was worried I would have to return the part. The fan and such were operating fine when I found the crack on the old radiator. Guess I'll have to order the temp sensor. Thanks for all who replied, I don't have a Haynes/Chiltons manual so I was a bit confused by this find.

I guess the lesson is: when your remove your radiator, strip the thing. I already had to buy two rubber radiator mounts (for the bottom) from Toyota because those got tossed as well. Total cost:

New rad: $130.00 w/ shipping
New top hose: $13.00
New btm hose: $10.00
New rubber mounts: $15.80 x 2 (could've saved from old one!!!)
New coolnt snsor: ~$100.00 (could've saved from old one!!!)
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around $285.00

Rick89GTS · 08-13-2005, 04:22 PM

Dude, save yourself $100 and get one from the wrecker's for $10. They rarely ever go bad.

letheal · 08-13-2005, 05:15 PM

...

PDXterra · 08-13-2005, 07:11 PM

Update: I found the temp sensor at a local NAPA for $55. Not quite $100.00 but not junkyard rates either. Dealer had one in stock but wanted $67, so I went with NAPA. The NAPA guy told me the sensor controls the on/off function of the rad fan, and that my temp gauge is fine.

I'd much rather have hit a junkyard, but in the last week I've called at least a dozen places, and only found ONE '89 Celica in a 100 mile radius of Portland. The '89 was absolutely stripped. It was like looking at those photos of bleached cow bones somwhere in the desert - there was nothing but the frame, some brake lines, and some glass. Hence my decision to buy a new radiator, temp sensor, etc.

The fan controller is an exact match, fits perfectly, only my fan has yet to kick on. I've watched the temp gauge like a hawk. Car seems to run/drive just fine, the temp needle sits right in the middle like it did prior to my "fix." Coolant seems to be circulating well, but it's about 85 degrees today, and I figured the fan would kick on at a stoplight at least? ? I will go for a longer drive this evening, I only took her around the block a few times after adding the sensor.

Thanks again for all the replies!

Rick89GTS · 08-13-2005, 08:43 PM

If you let it idle for a few minutes in your driveway, it should kick on. Glad you got it sorted out.