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Vacuum Control Temperature Sensor Test

  1. Tape a thermometer close to the vacuum control temperature sensor, located inside the air cleaner. Leave wing nuts off of top of air cleaner so top can be removed quickly to check thermometer while performing tests.
  2. With a cold engine, temperature below vacuum control temperature sensor specifications, check air control door in air cleaner. It should be in the fully open position (open to outside air).
  3. Start engine and let run. As soon as engine starts, door should go to full heated air position (closed to outside air). Watch air control door. When door reaches full open position (outside air only), quickly take air cleaner top off and read thermometer. Compare thermometer reading with specifications. If reading is not to specifications, perform vacuum motor test before replacing sensor.
    Vacuum Control Temperature Sensor Specifications

    Application Air Door Closing Temp. (°F) Air Door Opening Temp. (°F)
    American Motors    
      151" 4-Cyl. 77 (1)123
      258"6-Cyl. 40 80
    Buick(3)    
      Skylark 77 (1)123
      All Others 85 (1)115
    Cadillac    
      252" V6 85 115
      All Others 85 (2)100
    Chevrolet(3)    
      Chevette 80 (1)100
      Citation 77 (1)123
      All Others 80 (1)100
    Chrysler Corp.    
      1.7L 4-Cyl. 50 85
      All Others 50 100
    Ford Motor Co.    
      Sensor Color Code    
        Brown 60 90
        Black or Pink 60 100
        Blue or Yellow 60 115
    Oldsmobile    
      151" 4-Cyl.(3) 77 123
      231" V6 79 131
      305" V8 79 131
      All Others 86 131
    Pontiac(3)    
      Phoenix 77 123
      All Others 79 123
    (1) (1) - ±20°F.
    (2) (2) - All except Electronic Fuel Injection Models.
    (3) (3) - Some General Motors 151" 4-Cyl. engines do not use a vacuum motor on air control door. Door is controlled by thermostatic spring only. At 50°F, door is open to heated air only. At 110°F door is open to outside air only.
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