2007 BF MK II XR6 n/a

dennis.goodson · 11-04-2025, 04:42 PM

Hi,
I live in ChCh (NZ) and I'm going to attempt to replace the head temperature sensor. The fans are switching on at low water temp and the car is guzzling gas. The XR6 has done just short of 200,000 kms. Has anyone done this and can give me some advice? There is certainly not much room between the sensor wire plug and the firewall. I cant figure out how to get the wire plug off the sensor. Any ideas gratefully accepted.

**russellw** · 12-04-2025, 12:22 PM

The workshop manual is really light on for details about how to replace the CHT.

However, to remove the plug you need to push down on the little tab which should be at the top - HERE is a pic of the connector.

You'll need a 19mm spanner to remove it and a lot of patience. DO NOT use thread sealant or locker when installing the new one and torque it to 15 Nm .

AMB · 12-04-2025, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennis.goodson

Hi,
I live in ChCh (NZ) and I'm going to attempt to replace the head temperature sensor. The fans are switching on at low water temp and the car is guzzling gas. The XR6 has done just short of 200,000 kms. Has anyone done this and can give me some advice? There is certainly not much room between the sensor wire plug and the firewall. I cant figure out how to get the wire plug off the sensor. Any ideas gratefully accepted.

What makes you think the head temperature sensor is faulty and needs replacing? They are very reliable and rarely fail.
The fans will always come on when the aircon is on, or thinks the aircon is on.
Can't think of any other reason the fans would come on, and a faulty temperature is not one of them. If you think the temp sensor is reading too low, then that would mean the fans would not come on (because the ecu thinks the engine is cold).
If the temp sensor was reading too high, then yes, you might suspect the temp. sensor is causing the fans to come on, but to suspect a faulty sensor, you have to confirm that the coolant temperature is in fact normal, not getting too hot. Pretty easy to confirm the coolant temperature, I have a infrared thermometer and it always read pretty accurate (around 90C) when measuring top radiator hose, thermostat housing etc.
If you can't get to the back of the head, then you may have to undo the transmission cross member bolts (4 bolts), then slowly and carefully lower the back of the transmission until the back of the head just touches the firewall.

Travesty · 12-04-2025, 03:47 PM

First thing I'd check is if the car is staying in open loop or closed loop mode, then the O2 sensor(s).

**aussiblue** · 12-04-2025, 07:20 PM

If you do need to replace the CHT use one of the many different types of terminal clip disconnect pliers to unclip the connector e.g. https://www.amazon.com.au/Upgraded-E...%2C1340&sr=8-7 or https://www.amazon.com.au/Electrical...d51de9f78&th=1 or even https://www.amazon.com.au/Electrical...zcF9tdGY&psc=1

Torque up with the new one this type of torque wrench https://www.amazon.com.au/SHASUXTING...zcF9hdGY&psc=1 or this sort of thing in the required size https://www.amazon.com.au/NITAGO-Adj...=W-bHY4fptmk4W or just a crow's foot on a normal torque wrench and erring towards the lower specified torque value. Noting being hollow they easily broken by over-tightening/over-torquing and if you do that you will be facing a much greater challenge.

dennis.goodson · Yesterday, 05:24 PM

Hi, thanks for the tips and advice. I've ordered a wire connector tab squeezer from Amazon and I'll check the temp of the water pipes, thermostat, etc.
Cheers