Jeep Renegade (2015-2022) Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor: A Complete Guide
Diagnose a faulty temperature gauge or check engine light on your Renegade and find the right replacement sensor.
- A bad ECT sensor on a Renegade often triggers codes P0117 or P0118 and can cause a variety of symptoms from bad gas mileage to overheating.
- On the common 2.4L engine, the sensor is located in the thermostat housing on the passenger side of the engine.
- While replacing just the sensor is possible, consider replacing the entire thermostat housing assembly as it often includes a new sensor and addresses other potential leak points.
- Driving with a bad ECT sensor is not recommended as it can lead to poor performance, engine overheating, or a no-start condition.
Is Your Renegade's Coolant Sensor Failing?
A faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on the 2015-2022 Jeep Renegade can cause a range of confusing issues. Because this sensor provides critical data to the engine's computer, a bad signal can lead to poor performance, incorrect gauge readings, and potentially leave you stranded. Understanding the symptoms is the first step to getting your Jeep back on the road.
Common Symptoms of a Bad ECT Sensor
Look out for these common signs of ECT sensor failure in your Renegade:
- Check Engine Light: This is the most common symptom. You will likely see diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) 🎬 Watch: Understanding and diagnosing P0117 and P0118 trouble codes. such as P0117 (Circuit Low), P0118 (Circuit High), or P0116 (Circuit Performance).
- Inaccurate Temperature Gauge: The gauge on your dashboard might read extremely high immediately after starting the cold engine, not move at all, or fluctuate wildly.
- Engine Overheating: If the sensor fails to report that the engine is hot, it won't trigger the radiator fans, leading to actual overheating.
- Poor Fuel Economy: A faulty sensor might permanently tell the computer the engine is cold, causing it to inject too much fuel.
- Black Smoke from Exhaust: An overly rich fuel mixture from a bad sensor signal can result in unburnt fuel burning in the exhaust, creating black smoke.
- Rough Idle or Hard Starting: The engine may run rough, hesitate, or be difficult to start, especially when cold, because the fuel and timing calculations are incorrect.
A Note on No-Start Conditions
In some cases, particularly with a P0117 code, the vehicle's computer may receive a signal indicating the engine is critically overheated (even when cold). As a safety measure, the computer can prevent the engine from cranking to avoid damage.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor
For the Jeep Renegade, you have several options when it comes to replacing the ECT sensor. While an OEM Mopar part is available, the aftermarket offers a wide selection of quality parts that are often more affordable.
OEM vs. Aftermarket
The original Mopar sensor is a reliable choice, but it comes at a premium price. High-quality aftermarket brands like Delphi, Standard Ignition (Standard Motor Products), and Dorman offer parts that meet or exceed original equipment specifications and are a common, cost-effective repair for this vehicle. Many owners and repair shops successfully use aftermarket sensors without issue.
Consider Replacing the Thermostat Housing
On the 2.4L Tigershark engine, the ECT sensor is located in the thermostat housing. These housings can become brittle over time. Since you must drain the coolant and access this area anyway, it is often a good idea to replace the entire thermostat housing assembly. These assemblies typically include a new thermostat and a new ECT sensor, addressing multiple potential failure points 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing the full thermostat housing. at once for a more thorough repair.
Pro Tip: Check the electrical connector and wiring pigtail for your old sensor. If it appears corroded, cracked, or damaged, it's wise to replace the pigtail along with the sensor to ensure a good connection.
Cost of Replacing a Jeep Renegade ECT Sensor
The cost can vary significantly based on the part you choose and whether you do the work yourself.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Sensor | $17 - $60 |
| New Aftermarket Thermostat Assembly (with sensor) | $75 - $150 |
| New OEM Mopar Sensor | $30 - $75+ |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $250 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ECT sensor located on my Jeep Renegade?
For the 2.4L Tigershark engine, the ECT sensor is screwed into the thermostat housing, located on the passenger side of the engine. For the 1.4L Turbo engine, the sensor is also typically on or near the thermostat housing. You will need to remove the plastic engine cover 🎬 Watch: How to locate and replace the 2.4L sensor. to see it.
Is this a difficult part to replace myself?
For a DIYer with some experience, this is a manageable job. The main steps involve partially draining the coolant, removing the battery and tray for better access on the 2.4L, disconnecting the electrical plug, and unscrewing the sensor with a deep 19mm socket. The biggest risks are working with hot coolant and ensuring the system is properly refilled and bled of air afterward.
Do I need to drain all the coolant to replace the sensor?
You do not need to drain all the coolant. You should drain enough from the radiator's petcock so the coolant level is below the sensor's location to minimize spillage. Always work on a cold engine to avoid burns.
My check engine light is on. Will replacing the sensor turn it off?
After replacing the sensor, the code may clear itself after several drive cycles. However, the proper method is to use an OBD-II scanner to clear the diagnostic trouble codes from the computer's memory after the repair is complete.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 5149077AB 68070744AA 68294906AA 68410608AA
The sensor is a thermistor type, typically requiring a 19mm or 3/4" deep socket for removal and installation. It is located on the thermostat housing for both 1.4L and 2.4L engines.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Jeep Renegade:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Renegade's Coolant Sensor Failing?
- Common Symptoms of a Bad ECT Sensor
- A Note on No-Start Conditions
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor
- OEM vs. Aftermarket
- Consider Replacing the Thermostat Housing
- Cost of Replacing a Jeep Renegade ECT Sensor
- Frequently Asked Questions
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