When you're shopping for thermostats HVAC controls sensors, an engine coolant temperature sensor is a small part with a big job: it tells the ECU how warm the engine is so the fuel mixture and cooling fan behave correctly. The four sensors in this guide are all listed as New and direct-fit or direct-replacement parts, with prices spread from USD 8.76 to USD 10.56. The cheapest one is aimed at Chevy trucks, while the most expensive covers Toyota, Scion, Subaru, Mazda, and Dodge applications. The challenge isn't choosing between expensive and cheap - the total spread is only USD 1.80 - it's matching connectors, OE numbers, and vehicle coverage.
Quick Take
If you need a 2-pin M12 x 1.5 sensor for a 1988-2014 Chevrolet C/K or Silverado, the USD 8.76 HOP sensor is the listed-price pick and carries a 3-year manufacturer warranty in its product info. If you need a 3-pin M12 x 1.5 sensor for a Toyota/Scion/Subaru/Mazda/Dodge application, the USD 10.56 HOP 89422-16010 is the spec-heavy choice. If you want GM-branded OEM hardware, the USD 10.35 General Motors 15326386 sensor is the only one here with the GM name on it. And if your Dodge Ram, Dakota, Chrysler, or Jeep 4L uses TX81/SU3035/5S1500, the USD 9.75 C-HORSE sensor is a direct-fit unit with US country of origin.
Listed-Price Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| TX81 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep) | USD 9.75 | |
| 89422-16010 Coolant Temperature Sensor (Toyota/Scion/Subaru/Mazda/Dodge) | USD 10.56 | |
| GM OEM 15326386 Coolant Temperature Sensor (Chevy/Pontiac/Buick/Cadillac/GMC) | USD 10.35 | |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor for 1988-2014 Chevy C/K Silverado 1500/2500/3500 | USD 8.76 |
The listed-price gap between the least expensive and most expensive sensor here is USD 1.80. That narrow range means the decision should come down to fitment details rather than budget.
Decision Matrix
- Need a 2-pin sensor with a listed 3-year warranty for Chevy C/K/Silverado trucks? The USD 8.76 HOP sensor covers 1988-2014 models and lists OE 12146312.
- Need a 3-pin M12 x 1.5 sensor for Toyota/Scion/Subaru/Mazda/Dodge? The USD 10.56 HOP sensor lists OE 89422-16010 and replacement numbers 22630-AA161, 22630-AA11A, and more.
- Want GM-branded OEM hardware for a GM vehicle? The USD 10.35 General Motors 15326386 sensor lists "Genuine OEM: Yes" and Direct Replacement fitment.
- Driving a Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep 4L and want US-made direct-fit? The USD 9.75 C-HORSE TX81 lists US origin and interchange numbers 56027873, 5S1500, and SU3035.
Product Notes
TX81 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep)
The C-HORSE TX81 is priced at USD 9.75 and is positioned as a direct replacement for Dodge Ram, Dakota, Chrysler, and Jeep 4L applications. Its listed interchange numbers - 56027873, 5S1500, SU3035, and TX81 - provide a clear cross-reference path when you're comparing against the factory part. The Country of Origin is listed as the United States, and the fitment type is Direct Replacement. The attributes also include Features: Direct Fit, Easy Installation. At USD 9.75, it sits in the middle of the price range, USD 0.99 above the lowest listed sensor. This is the only one in this set with US-origin country data, so it's a natural pick for shoppers who prioritize that detail.
89422-16010 Coolant Temperature Sensor (Toyota/Scion/Subaru/Mazda/Dodge)
At USD 10.56, this HOP sensor is the highest listed price in the group, but it brings the most connector detail. It is a 3-pin M12 x 1.5 sensor with a brass and composite plastic housing, and a 3-year manufacturer warranty. The OE/OEM part number is 89422-16010, with interchanges covering 22630-AA11A, 22630-AA160, 22630-AA161, 32005976, 94856779, and others. If your vehicle fits those numbers, this is the sensor to check first, especially because the 3-pin layout is spelled out. Its main trade-off is the price - it's USD 1.80 above the cheapest listed option.
GM OEM 15326386 Coolant Temperature Sensor
The USD 10.35 General Motors sensor is the only unit here with a brand name of General Motors and a "Genuine OEM: Yes" attribute. It lists Fitment Type: Direct Replacement and comes in as New. The OE part number is 15326386, and the interchange numbers include 207803, 211-1012, 31195, and 5S1018. It covers Chevy, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC according to the title. The attributes focus on the GM part number and interchange list rather than connector specs. At USD 10.35, it's USD 0.21 less than the highest listed price and USD 1.59 more than the lowest.
Coolant Temperature Sensor for 1988-2014 Chevy C/K Silverado 1500/2500/3500
This HOP sensor is the least expensive of the four at USD 8.76, and it's the one with the tightest application focus: 1988-2014 Chevrolet C/K and Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500 models. It is a 2-pin M12 x 1.5 sensor with a brass and composite plastic housing, and a 3-year manufacturer warranty. The OE/OEM part number is 12146312, with interchanges including 10232602, 15326386, 213-4396, and others. If you're working on a Chevy truck in that range, this gives you the connector details at the lowest listed price. It also includes one sensor and water temp sender in the package.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- For Chevy C/K and Silverado owners: Choose the USD 8.76 HOP sensor. It covers 1988-2014 models, lists 2-pin M12 x 1.5 specs, OE 12146312, and a 3-year warranty.
- For Toyota/Scion/Subaru/Mazda/Dodge owners: Choose the USD 10.56 HOP 89422-16010. It lists 3-pin connector details and a broad interchange list.
- For GM-branded OEM buyers: Choose the USD 10.35 General Motors 15326386 sensor if the GM part number is your cross-reference.
- For Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep 4L owners who want a US-origin sensor: Choose the USD 9.75 C-HORSE TX81, which lists US country of origin and direct-fit interchange numbers.
