Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
On Esteem, Sidekick 1.8L and Swift, sensor is located on side of thermostat housing. On Sidekick 1.6L and X-90, coolant temperature sensor is located on side of intake manifold.
On all models, ECT sensor thermistor changes resistance with respect to temperature. High temperature causes low resistance. Low temperature causes high resistance. A reference voltage (supplied and monitored by PCM) is modified by sensor resistance. PCM uses this information to control operation of various devices.