Component Location
This video focuses specifically on showing you the exact location of the Engine Oil Temperature (EOT) sensor on the longitudinal 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. On the Chrysler 300’s rear-wheel-drive layout, finding this sensor is a notorious challenge because it is buried completely out of sight. It is tucked deep inside the engine “V” valley, threaded directly into the rear-facing side of the plastic or aluminum engine oil filter adapter housing assembly. This assembly sits directly underneath both the upper and lower intake manifold plenums. This visual guide is designed to show you precisely where to look under the hood so you can locate it without any guesswork.
DIY Repair Benefits
Locating the engine oil temperature sensor is the crucial first step if you are planning a DIY vehicle inspection, sensor replacement, or diagnostic process. Knowing its exact position allows you to plan the necessary teardown of the intake manifolds, check the delicate electrical harness for heat hardening or oil soaking, and handle your automotive project efficiently, saving you both time and a costly trip to the repair shop.
Bad Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Symptoms
A malfunctioning engine oil temperature sensor sends inaccurate thermal data to the powertrain control module, affecting calculated oil life, cooling fan strategies, and variable valve timing parameters. Common symptoms of a failing sensor on this 3.6L engine include inaccurate, frozen, or erratic oil temperature readings on your instrument cluster’s digital information display, a decrease in engine performance, and a triggered Check Engine Light on your dashboard with stored trouble codes (such as P0196, P0197, or P0198).
Safety First
Working deep inside the engine valley and around delicate electrical connectors requires strict safety precautions to avoid injuries or electrical damage. Always make sure the engine is completely cool, the ignition is off, and the negative battery terminal (located in the trunk on the Chrysler 300) is disconnected before beginning your teardown. Because the sensor sits directly in the oil filter housing, have clean shop rags ready to wipe up any minor oil residue during removal. Crucially, cover the open intake ports on the cylinder heads as soon as the manifolds are removed to prevent any loose debris, dirt, or hardware from falling into the engine cylinders. Wear appropriate safety glasses and protective gloves, and remain highly attentive to your surroundings to prevent any accidental injuries.
Expert Support and Questions
I am an experienced mechanic, and I am here to support you with your automotive journey. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions regarding your vehicle’s troubleshooting, upper and lower intake manifold removal, or electrical diagnostics, please drop a comment below, and I will gladly assist you with your car trouble.