The VIC (vehicle information center) has some issues with the solder connections between the display board, and the CPU board. They have a flexible connector between the boards, that is "wave soldered" at the factory. Due to some quality issues, units from 1996-1998 have some connections that didn't receive the full amount of solder required for reliable connection. Pin 14, which connects to a pink wire on the electrical harness is the culprit. Once that connection is secured, the false "Coolant Sensor Failure" will go away.
That sounds very technical, but if you have even the most rudimentary soldering skills, you can fix it with a 30 minute investment of time, for free. Google "removing the VIC" for more detailed information about what panels must come off to get the unit out- it's a bit involved, as it requires removal of the dash storage compartment door. I won't cover that here...
Once the unit is out, unscrew the 6 Torx screws holding the unit together. Once the screws are out, the unit can be split in half like a clamshell. In between the two circuit boards are a ribbon cable, with fairly stiff wires in it. The problem lies in the solder connections of the riibbon cable, to the boards. Under a magnifying glass, you may be able to see one or more "cold solder" joint connections. These look like a little silver mountain, but some may be missing some solder, or be a very dull color- not the bright shiney connection of it's neighbors.
I chose to heat all of the connections one at a time, and add a tiny bit more solder to each. Once putting the unit back together, and re-installing, I haven't had any further issues.
The only other alternative is to either ignore the message center, or purchase a VIC from some place like E-Bay, or a junkyard.
The sensor is a means for the driver to monitor the operating temperature of the engine .
To monitor the temperature of the engine coolant.
Low coolant or bad sensor
What type of coolant sensor? The below answer is for the coolant LEVEL sensor. The coolant TEMPERATURE sensor on my vehicle is located just next to the thermostat housing. On the front top center area of the engine just behind the radiator. Follow the coolant hoses if you have trouble. On my 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee the sensor is located on the top of the plastic coolant reservoir tank. Look for a small (2-wire?) electrical connector.
It is the two wire sensor next to the thermostat housing.
On the coolant overflow bottle that in on the passenger side of the engine.
sensor is in the plastic reserve on the float.
IN THE WATER JACKET.
The engine computer uses the signal from the coolant temperature sensor to decide when to activate the radiator fan relay.
Don't worry about it those screens are all faulty & blink coolant temp sensor.
Check the sensor switch first.
The coolant temperature sensor on a 2001 Jeep Cherokee is located in the intake manifold. It monitors the flow and temperature of coolant through the engine.