97 Pontiac Sunfire - where is the temperature sensor located?

Difficult...

Running hot would come down to a blocked radiator, a collapsed hose, a faulty temperature sensor or a cylinder head/gasket problem.

it could also be the gauge or even a bad earth on a temperature sensor.

Does your car exhibit any signs of overheating .. steam .. boiling radiator ... rough running?

It's strange that it runs fine for a couple of weeks and then runs hot. To me that suggests a temperature sensor/thermostat problem coupled with the outside air temperature.

What did the workshop suggest?

THE 2.2L ENGINE CAMSHAFT SENSOR LOCATED BACKSIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK TO THE LEFT OF THE KNOCK SENSOR. THE 2.4L ENGINE CAMSHAFT SENSOR LOCATED ON FRONT CAMSHAFT HOUSING TOP COVER LOOK DOWN ON TOP COVER WHERE IT SAYS 2.4L TWIN .SENSOR BELOW T ON TWIN ON TOP COVER.

For 1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2L SFI OHV 4cyl the Coolant Temperature Sensor is located under hood, driver side, upper engine area, below valve cover, mounted in cylinder head.



Fig. 1: The ECT is also the temperature sending unit for the gauge on the instrument cluster

Hope helps (remember to rate this answer)..

I don't believe you will be able to use that motor, the only one that will work would be one from another 1999 or a 2000.

none of that was needed to be repklaced
does your security light flashes >

Yes it would and will make the car not start. Your crank sensor is located behind your harmonic balancer, which is the large pulley that turns all the belts. THe one that is coming off the crank shaft.

As long as the 96 one looks the same as the 97 and fits properly.

Inspect the IAT sensor and wiring. The sensor is located in the air induction tube near the air filter. I've seen these wires break at the connector.

try checking the coolant resivoir level sensor has not come loose or got a bad conections in the plug.

Should be at rear engine area, mounted (threaded) into block.