5 Maintenance Tips For Your EGT Sensors

As a car owner, operator, or mechanic, you must consider many things concerning maintenance. You need to ensure your engine is always in good condition and that it won’t fail on the road. One of the essential parts of an engine is its exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensors. These sensors ensure your engine runs at an optimal temperature and help prevent overheating issues. However, they can get damaged over time due to wear and tear. Thus, it’s vital to check your EGT sensors regularly so you can replace them before it’s too late.

Below are seven tips on how you can maintain your EGT sensors. So, read on!

What Are EGT Sensors?

EGT sensors measure the exhaust gas temperature in a diesel engine. They monitor the combustion process. They’re essential because they prevent excessive temperatures from building up in your exhaust system. They provide information about the fuel content in the exhaust gas stream, which helps the engine control unit (ECU) decide when to burn more or less fuel. If they’re not operating correctly, they can cause dangerous problems, like overheating and excessive emissions. You can read additional resources online to learn more about them.

Maintaining Your EGT Sensors

EGT sensors are essential to the safety of your vehicle. Maintaining them is vital so they can continue to provide accurate readings and protect your engine. Here are five tips to help you keep your EGT sensors in good working order at all times:

1) Keep Them Clean

EGT sensors are subject to many things that can clog them up. They’re small and can get easily damaged, as well as sensitive to dirt and residue. So, ensure you clean them out whenever you get back from a long trip or after running your engine for an extended period. This will ensure nothing is blocking the flow of gases through the sensors. Besides, if you clean them regularly, they’ll last longer. 

Clean the EGT sensors with a small brush or soft cloth to remove any buildup of oil or dirt that could affect the readings they provide. It’s likewise essential to keep both your engine and EGT sensors clean so that they can accurately measure exhaust temperature. You should also keep your engine bay clean, as the buildup of dirt, oil, or grease can interfere with the accuracy of the readings.

2) Check For Cracks Or Damage

If you notice any cracks or other damage to the sensors, you must replace them. A damaged EGT sensor can give false readings and lead you to believe your engine is running hotter than it is. This could lead to serious problems if you keep driving when there are issues with your engine. 

The most common cause of EGT sensors failing is a crack or damage to the sensors themselves. This can happen over time if you use your truck for heavy loads or over-revving the engine. 

3) Use Only Approved Replacement Parts

The EGT sensor is an essential part of your truck’s emissions system. If you use a non-approved replacement part, it could cause the ECU to fail emissions testing. This can be very expensive and result in fines for not complying with regulations.

Your truck manufacturer may have a list of approved replacement parts that you can use when repairing or replacing the EGT sensor. If not, it’s crucial to ensure that any part you use is made by an approved manufacturer and meets all quality and durability standards. Always read the instructions on replacing your EGT sensor before doing so. This will help ensure that you’re installing it correctly, which will help prevent damage to other engine parts.

4) Check Wiring Connections Regularly

It’s essential to check the wiring connections on your EGT sensor regularly. If they’re loose or corroded, they may cause your gauge to malfunction and show inaccurate readings. If you notice any problems with the wiring connections, it’s essential to contact a mechanic as soon as possible.

5) Have Regular Inspections Performed By A Professional

To keep your EGT sensor in good working order and prevent unnecessary damage to your vehicle, it’s essential to have regular inspections performed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will inspect the sensor and other parts of your engine, and make necessary repairs or adjustments before returning the vehicle to you. In fact, a good mechanic can identify problems with your EGT sensor and fix them before they become significant issues.

Thick smoke pours from the exhaust pile on a car. Shallow depth of field, focus on the end of the tail pipe. Closeup view.

Conclusion

EGT sensors are a vital part of your vehicle’s engine. They ensure the temperature inside your engine is not too high, so you must take good care of them. The information provided in this article should help you better understand how EGT sensors work and how they can be repaired when necessary. If you experience any problems with your EGT sensor or suspect it’s not working correctly, contact a qualified mechanic.