The engine coolant temperature sensor is located at the thermostat housing on the engine block (passenger side). The outside air temperature sensor sits in the front bumper or grille area. This article covers both locations for a 2014 Silverado.
Understanding where these sensors live helps with diagnostics, maintenance, and troubleshooting thermostat behavior, climate control readings, and dash temperature displays. Below are the typical locations and how to identify them on common Silverado engines.
Engine coolant temperature sensor location
On a 2014 Silverado, the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is typically threaded into the engine coolant passage at or near the thermostat housing. The location is commonly on the passenger side of the engine block, near the water outlet. The sensor usually has a two-wire connector (some variants use three wires) feeding the PCM with the coolant temperature signal. Exact mounting can vary slightly between the 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L V8 powertrains, but the general area remains the thermostat housing or the immediate coolant passage adjacent to it.
Engine variations
While the general rule is that the ECT sensor sits at or near the thermostat housing on the passenger side, the precise position and mounting hardware can differ by engine family. If you cannot locate it by sight, consult the service manual for your specific engine code (for example, the 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, or 6.2L V8 configurations) to confirm the exact sensor position.
To locate the sensor physically, follow these steps:
- Open the hood and locate the thermostat housing where the upper radiator hose attaches to the engine. Look for a small sensor threaded into the housing or a nearby coolant passage.
- Identify the sensor by its two-wire (or sometimes three-wire) electrical connector; it will be mounted close to the water outlet.
- Carefully unplug the connector to inspect or replace the sensor, noting the orientation of the wiring harness.
- If not visually obvious at the housing, trace the coolant hose path from the radiator to the engine—the ECT sensor is usually mounted along this path near the housing.
- Consult the factory service manual for your exact engine code if you want precise mounting details.
In practice, the ECT sensor is found near the thermostat housing on the passenger side of the engine. When replacing, ensure the O-ring seal is in good condition to prevent leaks and follow proper coolant handling procedures.
Outside air temperature sensor location
The outside air temperature (OAT) sensor informs the climate control system and instrument cluster about ambient air temperature. On a 2014 Silverado, it is typically installed in the front of the vehicle—most commonly in the front bumper, behind the grille, or within the bumper cover near the radiator area. The sensor is a small plastic device with a short two-wire harness and is designed to read unobstructed air flow.
To locate the OAT sensor, use these steps:
- Check the outer face of the front bumper or behind the grille for a small rectangular or round sensor with a two-wire connector.
- If not visible in the bumper, inspect behind the fog light area or along the radiator support where a sensor housing may sit.
- Follow the two-wire harness from the vehicle harness toward the front of the vehicle to locate the sensor’s mounting point.
- Note that some trims may have the OAT sensor integrated into the bumper or fascia assembly; refer to the service manual for exact placement.
Access is generally straightforward, but care should be taken not to damage the bumper plastics or wiring harness during inspection or replacement.
Summary
For a 2014 Chevy Silverado, the primary temperature sensor most drivers reference is the engine coolant temperature sensor, typically threaded into the thermostat housing on the passenger side of the engine. The outside air temperature sensor is usually mounted in the front bumper or grille area to feed the climate control system and dash readouts. Exact locations can vary slightly by engine (4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8) and trim, so consulting the vehicle’s service manual for your specific engine code is recommended if you need precise placement or replacement instructions.