fitting a coolant temperature sensor

[brad1]

Hello Guys

How easy is it to fit a coolant temperature sensor on a mk1 tdi leon, how do i fit it? ive just bought one in the hope it might cure a couple of problems ive got which i hope is related it, also its very cramped, so what stuff do i need to remove to get access to it. I know where it is, just aint a clue how to remove it lol
any help appreciated

 

[MJ]

Have the fault memory checked first, that'll tell you if any faults are being caused by the sensor.

 

[brad1]

i did have a fault before caused by the sensor, cleared it, and it came back two days later. and i aint checked it since so im changing it

 

[MJ]

Oh ok then. I believe they the sensor lives in the plastic housing on the side of the head, near the battery.
Your best off changine it when the engine is cool. its held in by a plastic horse-shoe shaped slide (which are very brittle, so be careful). You'll have to unplug the connector, very carefully remove the plastic slide, pull out the sensor - MAKING SURE THE SEAL DOESNT FALL OUT (it may also get stuck on the old sensor but it can just be swapped before the new one is fitted), some coolant will flow out but if your quick it wont loose too much, pop the new sensor back in, slide in the plastic slide and plug it back in, erase the faults and leave running - topping the header tank up as nessesary.