Chrysler Repair: Is coolant temp sensor failure the cause for no fans?, radiator hoses, coolant temp

Question
I cannot locate to replace the coolant temp sensor.  My fans stopped kicking on so I thought to start there then to relays.  Am I on the right track?

Answer
Hi Mike,
You didn't mention which engine you have but most of the sensors are located adjacent to the thermostat housing.
As to whether the sensor is the most likely cause, I would say that if the engine seems to be running well from cold start to full operating temperature, then the sensor is probably OK. I would start by verifying the fuse that powers the fans and the fan relay before suspecting the sensor. Also, if you do a code readout for fault codes that may be stored in the engine controller memory, it will tell you whether the sensor is the problem in most cases. But the cost of a readout, unless you get a free readout at Autozone, is probably more than a new sensor. So see if you can find a sensor with two wires at the manifold where the top radiator hoses joins the engine, as a clue to the location. Write me back with the engine type if you want specific location of the sensor.
Roland