1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

1985 12A #2 Temperature Switch function

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 2, 2023 | 09:28 AM
  #1  
1985GSL_RandP's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Washington
1985 12A #2 Temperature Switch function



I am trying to diagnose my poorly running 12A. I recently upgraded to an aluminum radiator and dual electric fans. The new radiator does not have a bung for either the coolant level sensor or #2 Temperature Switch. I don't think this temperature switch is at all related because it did run ok for a short while after swapping in this radiator but I'm trying to chase down all possible issues. For the life of me I can't figure out what this temperature switch does based on the FSM wiring.
Reply
Old May 18, 2023 | 05:01 PM
  #2  
1985GSL_RandP's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Washington
Bump

Bumping, still trying to figure this one out. Thanks.
Reply
Old May 18, 2023 | 05:30 PM
  #3  
KansasCityREPU's Avatar
Out In the Barn
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,702
Likes: 1,250
From: KC
There is a heat sensor on the floor board underneath the car aft of the seats and goes through the floor. It's for the exhaust. See page 5-:15 for placement.
Reply
Old May 21, 2023 | 09:14 AM
  #4  
LongDuck's Avatar
84SE-EGI helpy-helperton
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,584
Likes: 542
From: Phoenix, AZ
He's talking about the No 2 Water Temp Switch located on the Water pump: you're talking about the Overheat Sensor near the cats under the passenger side carpet.

The water temp switches are used to signal the ECU as to when the coolant is hot or cold which is used by the ECU to set Choke hold and other idle co sensation controls. If the Water Temp Switch goes out, typically you'll get high idle, poor exhaust emissions, and an overly rich mixture, because the ECU thinks the coolant is cold all the time and never turns off cold start systems.

There are 2 Water Temp switches, obviously - one on the back of the Water Pump and another on the block, at least on the 84SE model. Follow your wiring diagram to locate them. The block mounted water temp switch is used as a differential reference between the block temp and coolant temp, and are simple On/Off registers.

For a solution to aluminum radiators which lack a threaded bung for your coolant level sensor, search here on my username and "aftermarket aluminum radiator".
Reply
Old May 24, 2023 | 09:16 AM
  #5  
1985GSL_RandP's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Washington
Originally Posted by LongDuck
He's talking about the No 2 Water Temp Switch located on the Water pump: you're talking about the Overheat Sensor near the cats under the passenger side carpet.

The water temp switches are used to signal the ECU as to when the coolant is hot or cold which is used by the ECU to set Choke hold and other idle co sensation controls. If the Water Temp Switch goes out, typically you'll get high idle, poor exhaust emissions, and an overly rich mixture, because the ECU thinks the coolant is cold all the time and never turns off cold start systems.

There are 2 Water Temp switches, obviously - one on the back of the Water Pump and another on the block, at least on the 84SE model. Follow your wiring diagram to locate them. The block mounted water temp switch is used as a differential reference between the block temp and coolant temp, and are simple On/Off registers.

For a solution to aluminum radiators which lack a threaded bung for your coolant level sensor, search here on my username and "aftermarket aluminum radiator".
Thanks! Although the switch I'm talking about isn't on the water pump, it was located on the radiator itself.

Reply
Old May 24, 2023 | 09:49 AM
  #6  
1985GSL_RandP's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Washington
Found my answer while looking for info on aftermarket aluminum radiators:

https://www.rx7club.com/new-member-r...t-out-1153401/

TL;DR: It has to do with the smog pump/emissions which I no longer have so no need to bother with this sensor.
Reply
Old May 24, 2023 | 09:50 AM
  #7  
KansasCityREPU's Avatar
Out In the Barn
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,702
Likes: 1,250
From: KC
To test if this NO.2 switch is the issue, put it in a cup of ice water and see how it runs. You could also use a lighter and apply some heat to test. No sure what the threshold for this switch/sensor is but the factory service manual generally has some good test procedures.
Reply
Old May 24, 2023 | 09:54 AM
  #8  
1985GSL_RandP's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Washington
Wish I could test the switch but it basically crumbled to bits upon removal from the old radiator. Per the link I just posted above, sounds like it only impacts the air injection pump which I no longer have. I'll try to jumper/un-jumper the connector though at start up and see if there's any impact just to be 100% sure.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
andersonga
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
1
Oct 9, 2013 02:30 PM
Dementia
New Member RX-7 Technical
1
Jun 19, 2012 01:58 PM
MattB
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
2
Mar 9, 2006 05:48 AM
YellowT2
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
2
Aug 19, 2003 12:53 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:13 PM.