An engine coolant temperature sensor failure can make your thermostat behave erratically and leave your cooling fan running all the time. If you're shopping the thermostats and engine-sensor corner of the catalog, two new direct-fit coolant temperature sensors keep coming up: a 12146312-style unit at USD 1.99 and a Luft Meister unit at USD 5.99. Both are new, both are direct-fit replacements, and both share the 805218T interchange number. The difference is $4.00. The cheaper one gives you a bare 2-pin sensor with a long cross-reference list; the more expensive one gives you easy-install wording and a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
Quick Verdict
If you want the least expensive direct-fit sensor and your engine uses the 2-pin 12146312 style, the USD 1.99 OEM-style sensor is the straightforward pick. If you prefer a part that includes a 1-year manufacturer warranty, the Luft Meister at USD 5.99 is the safer pick.
At a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| 12146312 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Water Temp Sensor FOR Chevy GMC Honda | USD 1.99 | New, Direct Fit, 2-pin, copper + plastic ABS construction, crosses to 12146312, 1236302, 1338450, and 15326386 |
| For GMC Chevrolet Pontiac Cadillac Coolant Temperature Sensor Water Temp Sender | USD 5.99 | New, Direct Fit, Easy Installation, includes 1 sensor, 1-year manufacturer warranty, crosses to 805218T / 805218 |
Where Each Sensor Wins
The OEM-style sensor wins on price. At USD 1.99, it is the lower-cost way to get a new, direct-fit 2-pin coolant temperature sensor with the 12146312 family of cross-references.
The Luft Meister sensor wins on warranty and fit extras. At USD 5.99, it adds a 1-year manufacturer warranty and easy-install wording, and it is aimed at GMC, Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Cadillac applications.
Product Notes
12146312 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Water Temp Sensor FOR Chevy GMC Honda
This new sensor uses a 2-pin connection and copper-plus-plastic ABS construction, with a listed size of 5.6 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm. It is marketed as a Direct Fit, Direct Replacement part for a range that includes Chevrolet, GMC, and Honda. The replacement list is long: OE numbers 12146312, 1236302, 1338450, and 15326386 all appear, along with other references like 805218T, TS10075, and SU109. The 2-pin format is the one fit constraint to check before ordering. At USD 1.99, it is the least expensive way to put a new coolant temperature sensor in your hand, and the package includes a single sensor.
For GMC Chevrolet Pontiac Cadillac Coolant Temperature Sensor Water Temp Sender
This Luft Meister sensor is also new and Direct Fit, but it adds two things the cheaper listing doesn't: the phrase Easy Installation and a 1-year manufacturer warranty. It comes with one engine coolant temperature sensor and lists both 805218T and 805218 as interchange numbers, while also crossing to GM OE numbers like 12146312, 15326386, and 19187357. The description calls it an ECT sensor for ECU temperature monitoring, which matches the precision-fit story. At USD 5.99, it costs $4.00 more than the OEM-style unit, so you're paying for the warranty and the broader make coverage across GMC, Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Cadillac. If installation simplicity and a warranty matter more than the lowest price, this is the sensor to grab.
Final Choice by Use Case
For a straight budget replacement in a Chevy, GMC, or Honda with a 2-pin harness, choose the USD 1.99 OEM-style 12146312 sensor. For a GMC, Chevrolet, Pontiac, or Cadillac where you want a 1-year warranty and easy-install fit, choose the USD 5.99 Luft Meister sensor.
