Temp sender my check engine light came on, car is a 96 chevy cavalier 2.2L, took it to Orielly's to code read it...several codes came up but my fan has been running non stop since the light came on so figured that it was the TEMP SENDER, code was reading something to the effect of COOLANT TEMP SENSOR CIRCUIT HIGH, I bought the temp sender and I am such a girl, I don't know where it goes...please help!

check the that wire to the temp sender unit is not shorting out as it will read hot if it is remove the wire and if the gauge goes back to cold then replace the sender unit.

the engine light is telling you something has gone wrong and you should stop and check it out. The low speed indicates that the CPU is in low power mode to protect the engine. The low temp reading is suggesting no coolant in the engine. Check oil and coolant level and have a fault code reading done before you cause more damage to the power train

Hello
When the service engine soon light (Also called the check engine light or engine management light) is turned on this is to alert you to the fact that Powertrain Control Module (computer) has detected a failure somewhere in the systems it controls you may not feel any difference in the way the engine runs, this can be the transmission or the engine or emission system, there are fault codes set in the modules memory for these faults. What needs to happen now is to have the powertrain control module scanned with a special tool called an OBD2 electronic engine control scanner or a OBD2 code reader. Once the code(s) are read then you must perform the diagnostics for each code and make the appropriate repairs based on the findings of the diagnosis that was performed, this is called doing "Pinpoint" testing.

A code P0128 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• Low engine coolant level
• Leaking or stuck open thermostat
• Faulty cooling fan (running too much)
• Faulty coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
• Faulty intake air temperature (IAT) sensor

Possible Solutions

could be a p.c.m. if you can't read codes.

Engine light if giving a cooling circuit problem, senses that the fan won't come on. Trac goes on when the abs wheel speed sensors don't sense right speed (open or closed circiuit). Could be a fusible link near starter.

a/c clicking on and off, could mean charge is insufficient or too much r134a in the system.

Those are my thoughts on it.

I had this problem with a 2007 Chevy Cobalt. I changed the coolant sensor and even though the check engine light went out I still had a reading of "---" on the coolant gauge. The problem is most likely one of three things: a low coolant level, a bad coolant sensor, or the thermostat needs to be replaced. The only other possible thing it could be is a bad BCM (Body Control Module) which in that case you would most likely be having other weird problems.

The Thermostat and the sensor are both very easy to get to and replace. Take off the engine cover by removing the oil cap and they are both to the rear of the engine on the driver's side. They are right next to each other.

Hope this helps!

Sounds like there is a blown piston, to be sure have a compression test done on that #2 cylinder, if the reading is low, then you'll know.
A friend of mine had a 95 that did simular things only a little more,
it started smoking, dash lights flickered, etc. Finally, he had to get rid of it, the piston rod went through the engine block.

Take it to another car parts store.
Since you are reading the computer it should be an auto reset fuse if any.
Plug the unit in then turn the ignition to the on position.
Unit should come on.
Press read
Read the codes, write them down.
Clear the codes.
Go home put the codes in google and you will see the results.

The check engine light would record an error code in the computer, you need to get that information in order to know what the next step is.

You first of all need to go to one of the parts stores like C&K Commercial or Auto zone and they will read your codes for you free. You have codes set on your car when you check engine light is on. We can help you figure out what next to do. Could be several things wrong but would greatly help to get those codes first.