Hey guys..going through a replacement of the intake air temperature sensor (thermosensor?) on the FD and was hoping to clear up any confusion for those of you guys doing it in the future. The box that Mazda sells them in is labelled as "Sensor, Water, Temp" even though the part number (N3A1-18-845) is the right part in the catalog. I e-mailed Mazdatrix, and they replied saying that Mazda mis-labelled them. I've attached a picture of the actual sensor, and it cost me about $62 bucks from Mazdatrix. The part number in the Mazdatrix catalog is 18-8450-N3A1.

 

If you check out the part numbers, this sensor is the same for water and air. I was also confused when I got this part, but I did some researching and they're actually the same part. This "water temp sensor" ran fine as a new air intake temp sensor. Good luck!

 

I thought the same thing Allen, but Mazda does label them wrong. Also, I could have sworn the water temperature sensor looks completely different.

 

The plastic part on the air sensor is blue . None of the water sensors are blue .

 

The picture you posted is the air temp sensor with the long plastic probe.

The water and fuel temp sensors are the same but with different seals and the probe is short and brass.

For those who do not know the truth:
air temp sensor - N3A1-18-845
water and fuel temp sensors - N3A1-18-840, "O" ring for fuel and aluminum crush washer for water.

 

allanhah,
Thanks for the heads-up. Just looked at the box for the Intake air thermosensor I ordered a while back from Malloy and it's got the word "water" crossed off but has the right part number. I would have gotten worried had I noticed it later.

 

i just bought an IC with them installed...where do u hook them up to???

 

I changed both my sensors recently. the water sensor has a grey connector I believe, while the air has a blue. The sensor tip itself is shorter in the water sensor, while the length of it is longer. (does this make any sense)

 

You mean where on the wiring harness? I know ALL about that now.

Call me later tonight and I'll help you out.

 

The pictured sensor is the AIT sensor and it is mislabelled by Mazda