When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Price: $88.50
More parts are expected around the 20th of February 2024
1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 CadillacEFI Air - Coolant Temperature Sensor replaces GM 1609968 /AC Delco 213-188 /EL31 Hewitt Industries PN 021-104 / Bendix 1181447 I have seen other eBaylistings where these are referred to as MAP sensors (*See note below regarding1975 and early 1976 Cadillacs using originally using PN 1606011 with flat bladeconnection)
This is a replacement for GM PN1609968 also known as AC Delco PN 213-188 and Bendix PN 1181447. Two sensorsare used per car; one for the coolant and one for the intake air. Both arethreaded into or near the intake manifold. This offer is for one replacementsensor with the original style OEM connector. I tried to sift through theapplications to the best of my knowledge. You should verify your application.In 1980 these were only used on the 5.7L (350 cubic inch with Californiaemissions option CA only). If you have a 1976 to 1979 Cadillac and it has fuelinjection this should be the correct sensor.For 1976 early cars the OEMconnector may be different (see additional detail below). I have not been ableto confirm if the same PN was used on the diesel 5.7L for a similar function. Thenote in the GM parts manual lists 1980 as “ALL (350-8)”
I own one of these cars myself. Ifthe coolant temperature sensor goes bad you will have issues with coldstarting. I researched the sensors and I replaced the original sensing devicewith a modern alternative with the intent of improving the durability.Electronically the resistance curves follow extremely closely in the mostcritical temperature range. The wire is GXL multi-strand all Copper wiring (notCopper clad Aluminum). The sensor housing has been upgraded, with my version 2, to one piece brass (original photos show my earlier design two-piece with separate brass housing and brazed brass bulb). Efforts have been made to allow theinternal sensing element to maintain thermal freedom.
My original is shown for referenceonly in some of the photos (Not being sold as part of this offer). You willreceive the new replacement parts as shown which includes the following:
-Sensor \"plug-and-play\"direct replacement (1 pc which includes the assembled housing, wire, OEM plugand terminals assembled)
The sensor which this replaces isknown by several PNs and names depending on the seller and manufacturer. Somenames/ PNs include: EL31 Hewitt Industries PN 021-104 GM 1609968 AC Delco213-188 Bendix 1181447 This is a new replacement but it is not NOS
This sensor varies in resistancebased on temperature. There is no + / - so you can connect either original wireto either terminal of the replacement. You can also test your sensor prior toeven removing it. There are some rare cases where the sensor is good but theterminals on the ECU have some corrosion preventing the ECU from getting asignal. I encourage you to test your sensors before you buy a replacement.
The wiring harness side matingconnector is often brittle after years of service. I do offer an OEM matingconnector assembled with terminals (see my other listing).
*Note: These will also work on the1975 and early 1976 Cadillac EFI cars, which used sensor PN 1606011, but forthe 1975/ early 1976 (see below) you would need to update/change the wiringharness side connector as well (or splice in the new sensor before the factoryconnection). The sensing part of the sensor is the same in 1975/early ‘76 butCadillac used a rectangular plug with flat blade terminals instead of the roundone pictured. If you check my listings I have the mating connectors needed forthe conversion available. My understanding is GM moved to the round connectorbecause they were better at preventing moisture from getting inside theconnection (under hood moisture had the potential for corroding the terminals).
If you have a 1975 or early ’76 withthe flat blade style connector PN 1606011 I and maintaining the originalconnection is important to you I can very likely move your original connectorto a new sensor (avoids splicing). If you prefer that option please contact mebefore buying. You would need to send your original to me first.
If you prefer a more updatedWeatherpack connector I also have them available to adapt the car to aWeather-pack connector. Please ask about this option before buying.
According to the GM parts manual theapplications using the older 1975-76 version versus general 1976 and newer PNare defined below. There was also an “Adapter” GM PN 1605641. I suspect thatallowed the newer 1609968 work directly on the older ’75-early ’76 cars withoutchanging the wiring harness side connector.
1606011: Used on 76 K on cars beforeVIN 480001
1609968: Used on 76 K on cars afterVIN 480000
1609968: Used on 76-77 C,E (Also seenote** below)
1609968: Used on 77 K W/EFI
1609968: Used on 78-79 ALL seriesW/EFI
1609968: Used on ALL series W/EFI(350-8)
**PN 1606011 was possibly used on early76 “C” and “E” cars. Take a look at the connector on your particular vehicle.The sensor and brass sensing end is the same thread for both versions. Only theelectrical connector is different.
Most of the key components are madein the USA including the brass housing, the electrical connector and the wire.The assemblies are built and designed in the USA.
Eldorado BiarritzSeville Sedan DeVille Coupe Brougham 76 77 78 79 80 See Note* for 75 early 1976and 1980