Stupid Coolant temp sensor issue...

[atruepretense]

So i'm getting the really fun, but wallet draining P0125 code. I know for sure it's my coolant temp sensor, because the O2s aren't failing and are reading correctly. I haven't replaced the thermostat, but the car isn't overheating.

I went to autozone and advance auto parts to get a Coolant temp sensor, and then both gave me a sensor that has a different plug! The sensor threads in correctly but I cant plug in the harness???

The harness on my car is black with a greenish looking inner connector. My stock sensor plugs in perfectly. The sensors I keep buying are similar, but the actual inner connector is more rounded.

I'm thinking of just splicing it in, but I don't want to go ricer style on the car and start hacking harnesses. It's just that getting 70 miles to 7 gallons is annoying as ####!

Anyone know what the hell is going on? Thanks!

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UPDATE:

I finally found a coolant temp sensor that would fit and that is exactly the same as the one that was on the car. After careful searching, I found that the sensors the auto parts were trying to get me were wrong.

I changed the sensor, drove the car, and the check engine light came on again. Same code, P0125. Insufficient Coolant Temp. What's the next thing I should try and check? i'm thinking thermostat maybe? Or possibly o2? My idle stabilized quite a bit and I feel like I get a bit better gas mileages but it can be a placebo effect. the MPGs are still garbage.

 

[akasoldats]

I ended up having to splice mine before... I wouldn't recommended it unless you need to the connectors always came out and my car would randomly star sucking up gas again. Maybe try using a 6bolt sensor. You could probably look at one and see if thats the connector you need.

 

[95'RS-T]

Why don't you just take your stock sensor with you and match it up? I don't mean to sound like a dick I'm just saying don't splice the wires just get the right sensor.

 

[atruepretense]

Why don't you just take your stock sensor with you and match it up? I don't mean to sound like a dick I'm just saying don't splice the wires just get the right sensor.

Nah no prob bro. I wouldn't even think of touching my harness until the last resort. I'm just lost because the sensor that 3 stores have told me is the coolant temp sensor doesn't match my plug. So I'm wondering how it could happen?