Choosing an engine coolant temperature sensor in the thermostats hvac controls sensors category often comes down to one question: which vehicle is it going into? One sensor is aimed at Chevrolet, GMC, and Honda applications; the other is built for Dodge, Ram, Dakota, Chrysler, and Jeep TJ 4L engines. The two sensors share a similar job, but their part-number coverage points in different directions. The right pick depends on your vehicle's make and how much you want to spend.
Quick verdict
If you're working on a Chevy, GMC, or Honda, the 12146312 is the sensor to consider. If your vehicle is a Dodge, Ram, Dakota, Chrysler, or Jeep with a 4L engine, the TX81 is the sensor that fits that list. Both are new, so the main choice is which vehicle you're servicing.
At a glance
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | Direct Fit | Vehicle Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12146312 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Water Temp Sensor for Chevy GMC Honda | $1.99 | Yes | Chevrolet, GMC, Honda | |
| TX81 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Fit: Dodge Ram Dakota Chrysler Jeep TJ 4L | $9.75 | Yes | Dodge, Ram, Dakota, Chrysler, Jeep TJ 4L |
Where each product stands out
12146312: The 12146312 is built as a direct replacement for the Chevy, GMC, and Honda side. It is a 2-pin sensor made from copper and plastic ABS, and its interchange numbers include 12146312, 1236302, 1338450, and 15326386. This is the route to take when your engine belongs to that group.
TX81: The TX81 targets Dodge, Ram, Dakota, Chrysler, and Jeep TJ 4L applications. It comes as a Direct Fit with Easy Installation and a U.S. origin marking. The interchange list includes 56027873, SU3035, and 5s1500, so it lines up with Chrysler-family part numbers.
Product notes
12146312 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Water Temp Sensor for Chevy GMC Honda
The reason to choose the 12146312 is its listed coverage for Chevrolet, GMC, and Honda engines. It is a 2-pin sensor made from copper and plastic ABS, with dimensions listed at about 5.6 cm by 2 cm by 2 cm. It is new, so you're not choosing a used unit. The sensor carries the 12146312, 1236302, 1338450, and 15326386 references, which can help you compare against the old part. For a Chevy or Honda engine bay, this is the one to start with. The limitation is that its fitment list does not mention Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep TJ 4L engines, so it's not the one to buy for those models.
TX81 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Fit: Dodge Ram Dakota Chrysler Jeep TJ 4L
Choose the TX81 when your vehicle is in the Dodge, Ram, Dakota, Chrysler, or Jeep TJ 4L family. It includes Easy Installation and a U.S. origin marking, which can help when you're weighing the two sensors. It also uses the 4L designation in the title as a fitment clue. Interchange numbers such as 56027873, SU3035, and 5s1500 are there for cross-referencing, which is useful when you want to line the new part up against the old one. The limitation is fitment in the other direction: this sensor isn't listed for Chevrolet, GMC, or Honda engines, so it won't address those makes.
Final choice by use case
For a Chevrolet, GMC, or Honda application, go with the 12146312 at $1.99. For a Dodge Ram, Dakota, Chrysler, or Jeep TJ 4L, choose the TX81 at $9.75. The absolute price difference between the two is $7.76, so match the part to the vehicle first and then let the price finish the decision.
