S13 Coolant Temp Sensor Question SR20DET

[bradyd15]

Hey guys. Quick Question...

I have a S13 Blacktop from a 180sx, and i wanted to replace the coolant temp sensor for the hell of it. So i order one from West Covina Nissan, that said on the package "S13 SR20DET Coolant Temp Sensor." So i take mine out, and try to put the new one in. The plug on my harness will not plug into it.

My question is, is the 180sx motor coolant temp sensor different from a silvia one? Its the same damn motor. I havent found any answers on this subject while doing my research? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[KiLLeR2001]

They are all the same. You could have went to Autozone and ordered one for a '91 240sx, 300zx etc.

That plug does not "snap" into place, you put it on with the metal clip that goes around it to keep it locked into place. Are you missing the metal clip?

[bradyd15]

The plug on my harness that goes to the stock sensor "covers" the top of the sensor. With the new sensor i bought, my stock harness plug will not fit over it. I actually went to autozone first, and got the ka sensor, but its the same. The top of the new sensor and my stock sensor are different?

[KiLLeR2001]

Any chance of snapping a picture of the plug and the sensor you bought? I'd like to see what you're dealing with.

[bradyd15]

Yeah man. I can do that. It will be around 5-6pm central when i get home from work. I appreciate the input. Ill snap a pic of the plug on the harness and a pic of the new coolant temp sensor .

[bradyd15]

Alright, heres some pics...

Heres the new one i bought...
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll84/bradyd3/DSCN0537.jpg
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll84/bradyd3/DSCN0536.jpg

Heres the one i have...
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll84/bradyd3/DSCN0538.jpg

Heres the plug for it on the harness...
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll84/bradyd3/DSCN0540.jpg

It is very possible that whoever owned the car before me added this plug for some resaon, that could be why the sensor is different?

[ultimateirving]

recently replaced my CTS on my redtop, was off a 91 sentra SE-r, see if thats any different.

[bradyd15]

I believe you are right sir... I looked on ebay at the coolant temp sensor for the sentra se-r, and sure enough, it looks the same as my stock one...heres the ebay one.
http://www.fuelpumpsusa.com/AUTOPARTS_PICTURES/standard%20motor%20products/tx78/standard%20motor%20products_tx78_2.jpg

You are the man, Mr.Irving. I wonder what posessed the previous owner of my car to use the sentra se-r plug and sensor? Thanks to Mr Killer and Mr irving for the input. Its greatly appreciated.

[ultimateirving]

I believe you are right sir... I looked on ebay at the coolant temp sensor for the sentra se-r, and sure enough, it looks the same as my stock one...heres the ebay one.
http://www.fuelpumpsusa.com/AUTOPARTS_PICTURES/standard%20motor%20products/tx78/standard%20motor%20products_tx78_2.jpg

You are the man, Mr.Irving. I wonder what posessed the previous owner of my car to use the sentra se-r plug and sensor? Thanks to Mr Killer and Mr irving for the input. Its greatly appreciated.

haha! anything i can do to help. I know my sr has given me plenty of grief =)

[KiLLeR2001]

Actually no. That looks like you have an S14 SR coolant temperature sensor (the one in your car now). The 1991 sentra SE-R has the same as the z32 300zx and s13/s14 240sx.

What I'm assuming is maybe the previous owner of the engine had it swapped into his s14, and maybe he thought he needed to use the s14 sensor, but its really the temperature switch next to it that has to correspond to the gauge cluster you are using (this is all speculation of course).

Or... you have an S14 SR and you don't know it? Is there a notch in the back of the valve cover? lol...

[bradyd15]

You know what Killer, you are also right my man. I just searched ebay as well for the s14 sensor, and it also looks identical to the sentra one... I tried to copy a pic, but it wouldnt let me... I have the s13 'flat' valve cover. Im pretty sure its not an s14 lol,haha. I have the stock t25 as well that came with it. Also the s14 comes with vtc i believe, and i dont have that... But how would that explain the wiring harness?

[lucas240sx]

my harness has the exact clip
its never been messed
Im in the process of cleaning the harness up

Im glad i found this thread
So i guess i dont need to go look for the sub haress for the collant sensor

[silspeed]

made a post w/o reading thread...oops

[Drift_86]

Sorry for bumping old thread but the reason the plug dosent fit is because it's 96-98 s13 blacktop and they did lot little changes on the engines, you can easily use 95-98 240sx sensor.