Where is my temperature sensor located?

Location of a temperature sensor depends on the device, but in most consumer electronics the main sensor sits on the primary circuit board near the CPU/GPU, with additional sensors for the battery, ambient conditions, or the chassis. This article explains common placements across devices and provides practical steps to identify the exact sensor for your model.

This guide offers a detailed look at where temperature sensors tend to live, from smartphones to cars, and gives you a practical approach to finding and understanding the readings you see in software or diagnostics.

What a temperature sensor does and why it matters

Temperature sensors monitor heat levels to protect components, optimize performance, and manage battery life. They feed data to firmware, operating systems, and thermal management systems to throttle performance, adjust cooling, or alert users to potential faults.

Where sensors are located across device categories

Below is a quick guide to where you typically find temperature sensors across common device categories.

• Smartphones and tablets: The primary reading usually comes from a sensor on the device’s main logic board near the processor; additional sensors monitor the battery temperature and, in some models, ambient or chassis temperature near the top edge or around the camera module.


• Laptops and desktop PCs: Multiple sensors sit on the motherboard, including CPU and GPU die sensors, motherboard/chassis sensors, and, in some laptops, a battery sensor. Software or BIOS/UEFI interfaces expose these readings.


• Vehicles: Core readings come from engine-related sensors such as the engine coolant temperature sensor and intake air temperature sensor, with separate cabin or HVAC sensors used to regulate climate control.


• Home thermostats and HVAC systems: The thermostat itself houses an ambient air temperature sensor that governs heating and cooling, with some systems using multiple remote sensors across zones.


• Wearables and smartwatches: Temperature sensing is typically integrated under the device’s skin-contact area for skin temperature, along with ambient sensors to gauge the surrounding environment.

These placements are common across many brands and models, but exact locations can vary. Always consult your device’s manual or support site for precise diagrams or naming conventions.

Smartphones and tablets

In mobile devices, the main temperature reading usually comes from a sensor on the logic board near the System-on-Chip (SoC). There are often additional sensors to monitor the battery, and some devices include an ambient or chassis sensor near the top edge or around the display assembly to gauge external conditions.

Laptops and desktops

PC architectures commonly expose several thermal sensors through system firmware and software. You’ll typically find CPU and GPU die sensors, motherboard ambient sensors, and, in laptops, battery temperature sensors. Reading these values is supported by OS utilities and third‑party monitoring tools.

Vehicles

Vehicles use a mix of sensors: engine coolant temperature to manage fuel and cooling, intake air temperature for engine performance, and cabin temperature sensors to regulate climate control. Readings are interpreted by the engine control unit (ECU) and HVAC modules.

Home thermostats and HVAC

Thermostats measure room air temperature to control heating and cooling. Some systems also use zone sensors or outdoor sensors to optimize comfort and efficiency.

Wearables

Wearables typically place skin-contact temperature sensors on the underside of the device, with occasional ambient sensors to estimate environmental conditions. Readings are used to estimate trends rather than precise medical data.

How to locate the sensor on your device

If you need to identify the exact sensor for your device, use these steps to locate it or confirm readings.

1. Check the official user manual, product support pages, or manufacturer diagrams for sensor locations and terminology.


2. Open device settings or hardware monitoring apps to view sensor readings and their labels.


3. Search for terms such as "temperature," "thermal," "CPU temperature," or "thermal zone" within the support content or diagrams.


4. If disassembly is required, consult official repair guides or contact the manufacturer or an authorized service provider to avoid damage.


5. For vehicles, refer to the service manual or dealership resources to distinguish between engine, intake, and cabin sensors; for home devices, review installation guides for sensor sockets or remote sensors.

Following these steps helps you identify which sensor is producing a given reading and where it is located, without guesswork or risking damage to your equipment.

Summary

Temperature sensors exist in many places—from the guts of a smartphone to the cabin of a car—primarily to protect components and optimize performance. To locate them, consult official manuals and diagrams, use built‑in monitoring tools, and approach disassembly with care or professional help. With a clear sense of where these sensors tend to sit, you can interpret readings more accurately and troubleshoot heating or cooling issues with confidence.

Where is the car temperature sensor located?

A car has multiple temperature sensors, including the engine coolant temperature sensor (located on or near the engine block, thermostat housing, or cylinder head), the outside temperature sensor (mounted behind the front grille), and the interior cabin temperature sensor (in the dashboard or headliner). Each sensor has a different purpose and location to measure a specific temperature within or around the vehicle.
 
This video shows how to locate the engine coolant temperature sensor: 55sRed Pill GarageYouTube · Feb 19, 2022
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 

• Location: Near the thermostat housing or inside the cooling system, often on the engine block or cylinder head.
• Purpose: Measures the temperature of the engine coolant to help the engine control unit (ECU) manage fuel mixture and prevent overheating. 

Outside Temperature Sensor

• Location: Behind the front grille, low down in the front bumper, or sometimes in the side mirror. 
• Purpose: Measures the ambient air temperature for the dashboard display. It is positioned away from the engine's heat to get an accurate reading, though it may still register a few degrees higher than the actual temperature due to road heat. 

This video shows how to locate the outside temperature sensor: 58sCarsNToysYouTube · Jun 5, 2019
Interior Cabin Temperature Sensor

• Location: In the dashboard, often near the vents, or in the headliner.
• Purpose: Monitors the air temperature inside the vehicle's cabin for the climate control system. 

How to find your specific sensor

• Consult your owner's manual or a repair manual: for the exact location of the sensors in your specific vehicle model. 
• Check the engine bay: Look near the thermostat or the top radiator hose for the engine coolant sensor. 
• Look behind the front grille: This is where the outside temperature sensor is typically located. 
• Inspect the dashboard: The interior sensor is inside the cabin, often in a small grille on the dashboard. 

How to fix coolant temperature sensor?

To fix a coolant temperature sensor, you must replace it as it cannot be reset. The replacement process involves letting the engine cool, disconnecting the battery, draining some coolant, unplugging the electrical connector, unscrewing the old sensor, installing the new one, reconnecting the wiring, and refilling the coolant. 
Step 1: Prepare the vehicle

• Park the car on a level surface and let the engine cool completely to avoid burns. 
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts. 
• Place a drain pan under the radiator or sensor to catch any spilled coolant. 
• Locate the coolant temperature sensor, which is usually near the thermostat housing or on the cylinder head. 

Step 2: Remove the old sensor 

• Unplug the electrical connector by pressing the release tab and gently pulling it off. If it's stuck, carefully pry it with a flathead screwdriver. 
• Unscrew the old sensor using a deep socket wrench. Some coolant may spill, so adjust the drain pan as needed. 

This video shows how to disconnect the electrical connector and remove the old sensor: 57sthedriversseatYouTube · Jan 14, 2009
Step 3: Install the new sensor 

• If the new sensor doesn't have a seal, apply thread sealant to its threads. Ensure the replacement has the correct diameter and thread size. 
• Screw the new sensor in by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten it snugly with the socket wrench. Do not overtighten. 
• Reconnect the electrical connector to the new sensor until it clicks into place. 

This video demonstrates the installation of the new sensor and reconnection of the electrical connector: 57sTRQYouTube · Apr 7, 2025
Step 4: Finish the job

• Reconnect the negative battery terminal. 
• Refill the cooling system with the correct type of coolant. 
• Start the engine and check for leaks. Top off the coolant as needed after the engine has reached its operating temperature. 

How do I clean the temperature sensor on my thermostat?

Here's How to Clean Thermostat Sensor
Remove the thermostat cover gently by pulling it outward. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean dust from the sensor and internal components. Wipe the screen and outer casing with a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water. Replace the cover and restore power.

How do I know if my thermostat or temperature sensor is bad?

Common Signs of Faulty Temperature Sensors

1. Erratic or jumpy readings.
2. Very high temperature (open circuit)
3. Negative/very low temperature (short circuit)
4. Gradual drift.
5. Noise or interference.
6. Physical wire damage.