Lately ive noticed that my truck warms up fine, gets amazing heat from vents but the gauge doesnt even go past the first mark. it barely lifts past the "c". Im wandering if this is causing my loss of power because the truck still thinks its cold? Could this be the coolant temp sensor?

Symptoms:
-Obviously the gauge reading cold
-Truck gets random loss of power when around 3/4 throttle
-Gas mileage is still fairly normal (around 13mpg)
-Sometimes chuggs and bucks at lower speeds

 

I just changed mine, since it broke when I was replacing the thermostat. It is an easy and cheap replacement. If you are questioning the functionality of the sensor, swap it out.

My truck is running smoother and cooler since I changed mine out but I also put in a new thermostat.

 

The PCM uses a different sensor to measure the Engine Coolant Temperature. You need a real temperature gauge to measure the coolant temperature. Never rely on the factory gauge to be accurate.

 

The engine temp sensor and the dash gauge sensor are two seperate items, the one on the thermostat housing is for the engine and if it is out of range you will get a code for it. The dash sensor is a little single wire thing in front of the #5 injector in the lower intake, normal operation for this gauge tends to be on the low end of the scale though mine reads more towards the middle since I replaced the original sensor with a new aftermarket one.

That said I doubt your problems are related to these sensors, I suggest you pull the codes to see what is being flagged.

 

Stared the truck, got it to normal running temp. and the infrared temp gun reads 198-215 degrees. Guage only moved up a little past "c" after 15 min of idle time and ~10 min driving.

Whats my next move?

 

Replace the gauge coolant temperature sensor that Conanski described in Post#4. That usually fixes the low gauge reading problem.

Quote from Conanski: "I suggest you pull the codes to see what is being flagged" to see what may be causing the other issues.

 

Check to see if your truck has both: A coolant temperature sensor and a coolant temperature switch sensor. It is the switch sensor that controls the location of the gauge indicator or needle, if you will. Check with your Auto Zone fellows and they can look it up you and supply you with the right sensor - oops! I mean switch sensor. Good luck.

 

hello I was wondering if you fixed your issue? I'e been having similar problems .

 

I have an 88 f150 inline6. This is the type of truck you have right? If so could you contact me. I' new to this site and not sure if a reply on here will go to my email. But here is my email if you decide to chat. Jbrueckner1228@gmail.com. I am not a bot or anythi g like that. Hope to hear from ya

 

this thread is almost 7 years old, and all the people who were posting in it are for sure driving dodges now.
stay with the thread that you just started and it will be easier for the ford gurus to walk you through the troubleshooting procedure.