The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is usually located near the thermostat housing on the engine. The outside air temperature (OAT) sensor is typically in the front bumper or grille area, and there may also be a cabin temperature sensor inside the HVAC housing. Exact placement can vary by engine and trim.
The following guide covers the main temperature sensors you are likely to encounter on a 2017 Traverse and where to find them in typical configurations. Use this as a quick reference, and consult the vehicle’s service manual for your specific VIN and engine option if you need exact locations.
Common temperature sensors and their likely locations
Below is a concise list of the sensors you’re most likely to encounter, with where they are usually found on a 2017 Traverse. This helps you quickly identify which sensor to check if a reading or performance issue arises.
- Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor — near the thermostat housing on the engine, commonly mounted into the cylinder head or the side of the intake manifold with a two-pin connector.
- Outside air temperature (OAT) sensor — located in the front bumper area or behind the grille/radiator support, with wiring running toward the PCM and climate control modules.
- Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor — located in the intake manifold/plenum near the throttle body or in the intake duct near the MAF sensor, depending on the exact engine setup.
- Cabin temperature sensor — inside the HVAC housing, typically behind the dash near the center area or around the glove box, used by the climate control system.
Understanding the scope of sensors helps you diagnose readings or fault codes more efficiently. If you’re chasing a faulty reading, verify the exact sensor location for your specific engine variant and trim level, as GM layouts can shift between configurations.
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor: detailed location tips
On the 3.6L V6 found in many 2017 Traverses, look for the sensor mounted at the rear side of the cylinder head near the thermostat housing or tucked along the engine block. It is a small device with a two-pin connector. Access may require removing a shielding panel or an intake hose, so work safely and disconnect the battery before handling electrical connections.
Outside air temperature (OAT) sensor: detailed location tips
The OAT sensor is usually positioned in the front bumper or behind the grille on the radiator support. It is a small sensor with a protective shield, designed to read ambient air and feed data to the climate control and instrument cluster. If the bumper cover or grille area is removed for other work, you’ll typically see the sensor mounted in that vicinity.
Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor: detailed location tips
The IAT sensor is generally located in the intake plenum or near the throttle body within the intake manifold assembly. It is a small sensor with a multi-pin connector. Access may require removing parts of the ducting or intake tubing, so proceed carefully and ensure the electrical connector is unplugged before removal.
Cabin temperature sensor: detailed location tips
The cabin sensor sits inside the HVAC housing, often behind the dash on the passenger side or near the glove box area. It is smaller than the other sensors and may be embedded in the climate control module or a small bracket within the HVAC assembly. If you’re diagnosing cabin temperature readings, you’ll typically access it from inside the dash or under the glove box area.
How to identify the right sensor for your issue
If you’re troubleshooting a temperature reading problem, start by confirming which sensor corresponds to the symptom (engine temp, outside air, intake air, or cabin). Use the vehicle’s diagnostic codes, a multimeter, and the service manual to verify wiring continuity and sensor resistance at operating temperature. When in doubt, consult GM TIS or a trusted repair guide tailored to your 2017 Traverse’s VIN and engine option.
Summary
For a 2017 Chevy Traverse, the primary temperature sensors you’ll encounter are the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor near the thermostat housing, the outside air temperature (OAT) sensor in the front bumper/grille area, the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor in the intake manifold area, and the cabin temperature sensor inside the HVAC housing. Locations can vary by engine variant and trim, so consult the VIN-specific service manual for precise placement. Proper identification helps streamline diagnostics and repairs.