Where is the coolant temperature sensor on a 2013 Dodge Avenger?
The coolant temperature sensor (CTS) on a 2013 Dodge Avenger is located at the engine near the thermostat housing, with the exact spot depending on which engine your car has. In most 2013 Avengers equipped with the 2.4L Tigershark inline-4, the CTS is mounted on the thermostat housing at the front of the engine on the passenger side. If your Avenger uses the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the CTS is located on or near the cylinder head in the vicinity of the thermostat housing. The sensor typically uses a two‑pin electrical connector.
Engine variants and typical locations
The 2013 Dodge Avenger came with more than one engine option, which affects where the CTS sits. The following outlines the common locations by engine type.
2.4L Tigershark I4 (common in base/SE models)
Locate the thermostat housing on the front of the engine, on the passenger side. The coolant temperature sensor threads into the housing or sits directly in the housing with a two‑pin connector feeding the sensor. Access is usually from the engine bay top, though you may need to clear some intake components to reach it.
- Open the hood and locate the upper radiator hose connection to the thermostat housing on the front of the engine (passenger side).
- Find the CTS plugged into the side of the housing or into the housing itself; it has a two‑pin electrical connector.
- Detach the electrical connector to inspect or replace the sensor if needed.
By following these steps you should be able to identify the CTS location on the 2.4L engine. If you encounter difficulty, consult the vehicle’s service manual for exact diagrams.
3.6L Pentastar V6 (optional in some trims)
For the 3.6L engine, the CTS is typically located on the engine block or cylinder head near the thermostat housing, in the vicinity of the front of the engine. The sensor is accessed from the engine bay and uses the standard two‑pin connector. The exact orientation can vary slightly by specific build, but it remains close to the thermostat area.
- With the hood open, locate the thermostat housing area on the front of the engine (often near the passenger side).
- Look for the CTS screwed into the housing or the nearby cylinder head area with a two‑pin electrical connector.
- Unplug the connector to inspect or replace the CTS as needed.
These steps help you find the CTS on the 3.6L engine; if in doubt, a service manual diagram for the 2013 Avenger with your exact VIN can provide a precise image.
How to test and verify the CTS
Once you’ve located the CTS, you can perform basic checks to determine if it’s functioning correctly. The following guidance applies generally to CTS testing on this vehicle. Always ensure the ignition is off and the battery is disconnected when disconnecting electrical connectors and handling coolant components.
To test the CTS, use these steps:
- With the engine cold, disconnect the CTS electrical connector and inspect both the sensor and connector for corrosion, oil, or damage.
- Reconnect the connector and start the engine; use a scan tool to read the coolant temperature PID and compare it to the actual engine temperature (you can measure coolant temperature with an infrared thermometer on a radiator hose or see the gauge in the instrument cluster).
- If readings are wildly different or the engine runs with poor temperature readings (misunderstood enrichments, long cranks when cold, or fluctuating temperature gauge), the CTS may be faulty.
- Alternatively, remove the CTS and perform a resistance test with a multimeter at known temperatures (per the service manual). Note that CTS resistance can vary with temperature, and a blank or wildly changing result usually indicates a bad sensor.
If the CTS test indicates a fault, replacement is recommended to restore proper temperature readings and engine management.
Replacing the CTS
If you determine the CTS needs replacement, follow these general steps. Use caution to avoid spills and burns from hot coolant. If you’re not comfortable, have a qualified mechanic perform the replacement.
- Allow the engine to cool and then disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Relieve system pressure and drain a small amount of coolant from the reservoir or radiator to prevent overflow when removing the sensor.
- Disconnect the CTS electrical connector and unscrew the sensor from its mounting point (thermostat housing or nearby engine surface).
- Install the new CTS, tighten to the manufacturer’s torque specification, reconnect the electrical connector, and recheck for proper seating.
- Refill any coolant if needed and bleed the cooling system as required to remove air pockets. Start the engine and verify normal temperature readings and that there are no leaks.
With a new CTS installed and the cooling system bled, the engine temperature should track accurately and the related sensors and computer controls will function correctly.
Summary
For the 2013 Dodge Avenger, the coolant temperature sensor is located in the engine near the thermostat housing, with the exact position dependent on whether the vehicle is equipped with the 2.4L Tigershark I4 or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The CTS typically uses a two‑pin connector. Use the locating steps corresponding to your engine, then verify operation with a scan tool or temperature measurement. If readings are off or the sensor is damaged, replacing the CTS is a common fix.
