2012-2017 Buick Verano Coolant Temperature Sensor Guide
Understanding the common failure points and replacement options for your Verano's coolant temperature sensor.
- Symptoms often include an erratic temperature gauge, poor fuel economy, and the check engine light with codes P0117, P0118, or P0128.
- Replacement is an easy, beginner-friendly DIY job that takes less than an hour and doesn't require a full coolant drain.
- There are no recalls for this specific part, but it is a common failure item on the 2012-2017 Verano.
- A quality aftermarket sensor is a cost-effective solution, but ensure it's from a reputable brand to avoid fitment issues.
Is Your Verano's Coolant Temp Sensor Failing?
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on the 2012-2017 Buick Verano is a known common failure point that can lead to a variety of confusing symptoms. Since the sensor's reading tells the computer how hot the engine is, a bad signal can make the car behave as if it's always cold or constantly overheating, regardless of its actual temperature. This can cause drivability issues and, if ignored, potential engine damage.
Common Failure Symptoms
- Check Engine Light: Often the first sign, with codes like P0117, P0118, or P0128. 🎬 Watch a helpful breakdown of these common fault codes.
- Erratic Temperature Gauge: The gauge on your dashboard may swing wildly, stay on cold, or jump to hot unexpectedly.
- Poor Fuel Economy: A false 'cold' signal makes the computer enrich the fuel mixture, wasting gas.
- Cooling Fans Run Constantly: The sensor may send a false 'hot' signal, causing the radiator fans to run at all times, even on a cold engine.
- "AC Off Due to High Engine Temp" Message: The car's computer may disable the air conditioning as a precaution because it can't get a reliable temperature reading.
- Black Smoke from Exhaust: In some cases, an overly rich fuel mixture caused by a bad sensor can result in black smoke from the tailpipe.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor
When replacing the coolant temperature sensor, you have a choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, like ACDelco, and various aftermarket brands. For a simple, low-cost part like a coolant sensor, a quality aftermarket option is often a practical and budget-friendly choice. While some mechanics prefer OEM for critical electronic sensors, many have used aftermarket sensors without issue. One Verano owner noted that a generic parts store sensor did not fit correctly, while a name-brand aftermarket part (Standard Motor Products) did, highlighting that fitment can sometimes vary between the lowest-cost options. Given the low price of the part, choosing a reputable aftermarket brand provides a good balance of cost and reliability.
Pro Tip: A Good DIY Project
Replacing the coolant temperature sensor on a Verano is considered an easy DIY job for a beginner and can be completed in under an hour with basic tools. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide to replacing your Verano's sensor. The sensor is typically located on the thermostat housing. You don't need to drain the entire cooling system; just be prepared to catch a small amount of coolant when you unscrew the old sensor and quickly install the new one.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Sensor (ACDelco) | $18 - $58 |
| New Aftermarket Sensor | $16 - $42 |
| Shop Labor Cost | $75 - $110 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $93 - $168 |
Note: Some online estimators may show much higher professional replacement costs ($376-$441) due to inflated part pricing in their calculators. The costs listed here reflect actual retail part prices and standard labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the coolant temperature sensor on a 2012-2017 Buick Verano?
The sensor is typically screwed into the thermostat housing or the cylinder head on the 2.4L engine. It is a small, brass-colored sensor with a plastic electrical connector, and you will likely need to remove the plastic engine cover to access it.
🎬 See exactly where the sensor is located on the 2.4L engine.Are there any recalls for the Verano coolant temperature sensor?
No, there are no specific recalls issued by the NHTSA for a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor on the 2012-2017 Buick Verano.
What check engine light codes are related to this sensor?
The most common codes are P0117 (Circuit Low Input), P0118 (Circuit High Input), and P0128 (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature).
Do I need to drain all the coolant to replace the sensor?
No, a full drain is not necessary. Only a small amount of coolant will spill out from the top of the engine when the sensor is removed. Have the new sensor ready to install quickly to minimize coolant loss and mess.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12608814 12611420 15326388 19236568
The sensor is a thermistor, meaning its electrical resistance changes based on the coolant temperature. It is typically made of brass with a plastic connector.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Buick Verano: