Coolant temp sensor

Hi,

Still having starting problems with the 180. Cranks very fast but does not fire up, until after about 5 secs when it barely is firing...then the slightest blip on the throttle and it runs perfectly.



When I did the thermostat I also changed the coolant sensor which sits next to the thermostat housing. I assume this is working correctly since the temp gauge rises and sits in the same place as with the replaced sensor.



A couple of questions if I may:



- could a coolant sensor be defective yet still report enough info for the car to move the coolant gauge on the dash to the same position as with the replaced one?

- does the car use info from this sensor for anything else other than reporting the engine temp via the dash gauge?

- could a defective coolant sensor cause the poor starting? (Once it fires up it runs perfectly).



I can't see anything loose or unconnected, and it puzzles me that once the car is running it runs very well. The problem started after I did the thermostat and sensor change.



Any help would be appreciated!



Thanks!

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