Pontiac Repair: Coolant Temperature Sensor, coolant temperature sensor, upper radiator hose

Question
I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am 3.4L SFI 6 Cylinder and have had a problem with engine temperature. I noticed one day that the cooling fans would not activate unless I turned the heat on in the car. I replaced the relay and that did not work. Someone suggested a Coolant Temperature Sensor. I have purchased one but can not locate it on my car. One web site has replacements for a 2.4 liter. Do I have this sensor on my car and where would it be located?

Answer
Hi Michael:

The coolant sensor is located in the lower intake manifold near where the upper radiator hose is attached to the engine take a look ther and you will see it it has a wire connector on it with 2 wires. It's the only sensor near there. You have the new one so you know what it looks like.. It may not be that sensor. it could be an issue inside the engine control module that is sees the correct tempature but it's not turning the relay on.. Chances are the sensor is the part tha's bad though. Good luck :)