The temperature sensor on a 1997 Honda Accord measures the temperature of the engine coolant and relays this information to the engine control module (ECM). The ECM uses this information to determine when to power on the cooling fans and to make other calculations about how to manage the engine. When the temperature sensor fails the ECM cannot accurately determine the engine temperature and uses pre-determined values that are not as accurate as the real-time information. Replacement temperature sensors are available from auto parts stores and Honda dealerships.
Place the gear selector in park or first gear (manual transmission) and turn off the engine. Apply the parking brake and open the hood. Disconnect the negative battery terminal using the battery terminal wrench.
Locate the temperature sensor. It is screwed into the intake manifold below the distributor on the left side of the engine.
Disconnect the sensor's electrical connector and unscrew it with a box-end wrench. Coat the threads of the new temperature sensor with thread sealant and install it using the box-end wrench. Reconnect the sensor's electrical connector.
Reconnect the negative battery terminal and start the engine. Check for coolant leaks and verify that the sensor operates properly.
