Rear engine coolant temp sensor clip install question

[Eastcoastmod]

Hi all
Does it make any difference how I orient the clip to push it on? Doing it from the top...my hands are numb. It's only 3 deg so I can't feel much. New sensor is in but I can't seem to push it straight on from top down. Any tips?

Here is a pic of where I'm stuck. Will rotating the sensor help?
I literally have a bruise on the end of my thumb from pressing so hard.

[Eastcoastmod]

Warming my hands up while I wait :) would wear gloves if I could get my hands down there with one on.

[Eastcoastmod]

Ok now I'm cranky

[badger.]

pull the coolant fitting out and lube it up a little with something like vaseline.

IME this happens when the fitting isnt pushed in all the way. The clip should go on easy-peasy.

I fought the same thing before and broke 2 or 3 clips trying to force it. Finally just popped it out, greased it up, and shoved it back in and the clip went in with no issues.

[Atomic Avant]

My clip went on at about a 45 deg angle from the passenger side top to the driver side bottom.

[Eastcoastmod]

pull the coolant fitting out and lube it up a little with something like vaseline.

IME this happens when the fitting isnt pushed in all the way. The clip should go on easy-peasy.

I fought the same thing before and broke 2 or 3 clips trying to force it. Finally just popped it out, greased it up, and shoved it back in and the clip went in with no issues.

Great advise. Was reluctant to pull after the bitch of a time I had getting it in.:)
Can't get another clip until tomorrow anyway so will have to wait though.

[Der Konig]

pull the coolant fitting out and lube it up a little with something like vaseline.

IME this happens when the fitting isnt pushed in all the way. The clip should go on easy-peasy.

I fought the same thing before and broke 2 or 3 clips trying to force it. Finally just popped it out, greased it up, and shoved it back in and the clip went in with no issues.

I did the same thing but without the breaking clips. General purpose grease and easy peasy.

[Atomic Avant]

I didn't break mine, my big ass hands kept dropping it. but not as bad as when I dropped the sensor itself and I had to pull the passenger tire to find it.

[Jdsb6s4]

Hi all
Does it make any difference how I orient the clip to push it on? Doing it from the top...my hands are numb. It's only 3 deg so I can't feel much. New sensor is in but I can't seem to push it straight on from top down. Any tips?

Here is a pic of where I'm stuck. Will rotating the sensor help?
I literally have a bruise on the end of my thumb from pressing so hard.

OEM part?

[CtS4Driver]

If you undo the 8mm nut holding the harness to the back of the engine it makes the installation of that coolant temp sensor clip MUCH easier.

[jmcS4]

the advice being given is great but you shouldn't need to lube it up to install.

1st make sure when you removed the sensor the O-ring came out with it. if not its still in the sensor housing and you'll need to fish it out.

2nd the clips get brittle over time just like wires and other plastic in the engine bay so its not due to the last person that touched it.

3rd as long as the og o-ring has been removed the sensor should easily sit right in the housing and only needs slight pressure on it to install the c-clip.

hope this helps, good luck.

[Eastcoastmod]

Resolved
Thanks for all the advise.
For the record, I was unable to complete the clip install myself from the top of the engine.
My car was way too low to get underneath and because it was parked on a gravel hill and it just wasn't safe.
I tried for three days straight not remembering how it had come off because it was a couple months ago that I did the job.
I took a risk and filled it with water driving it too my favorite garage.
They put it up on the hoist and suggested I had much smaller arms if I wanted to try and put it in.
It literally took like 10 seconds to do from the bottom and yes the clip goes in from the bottom passenger up towards the drivers side.

The good news is my car got a really good collant flush. :) and has been running great for days now.

Thanks again all.
Oh and FYI...I don't car how small or skinny your ams are, I doubt anyone could easily put this clip in place from above without removing stuff. :)