Temp gauge/sensor question
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Ohio
Temp gauge/sensor question
1989 F250 4X4 5.0 Replaced engine.
Temp gauge hasn't been working, so I replaced the sensor. Went to turn the key, and noticed the gauge actually go backwards...and after 10 minutes, not heading in the right direction.
Is it possible that the guy that swapped engines for me could have accidentally cut wires and hooked them up in reverse, causing the gage to read the wrong way?
Temp gauge hasn't been working, so I replaced the sensor. Went to turn the key, and noticed the gauge actually go backwards...and after 10 minutes, not heading in the right direction.
Is it possible that the guy that swapped engines for me could have accidentally cut wires and hooked them up in reverse, causing the gage to read the wrong way?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
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From: SoCal
The sender forr the temp gauge is a single wire (nothing to reverse) it's probably red/white stripe & just pulls off of the sender. What does the gauge do when you remove the wire from the sender?
What does the gauge do with key on when you ground the wire beside the sender, it should read full hot
What does the gauge do with key on when you ground the wire beside the sender, it should read full hot
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 364
From: Candy Mountain
Typically there is a Temperature Sender for the dash gauge and a Engine Coolant Sensor for the pcm. The sender is usually a one wire unit and the sensor has two. To make it more interesting I believe the sender comes in two flavors; one for a gauge and one for if you just have an idiot light. You are probably looking/working on the wrong one.
Courtesy of Subford.
Courtesy of Subford.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,667
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
Yes you replaced the wrong item. You replaced the ETC for the computer.
The sender for the gauge has one wire. Do not ground the wire for the ETC sensor and computer, only ground the one wire for the sender.
The sender for the gauge has one wire. Do not ground the wire for the ETC sensor and computer, only ground the one wire for the sender.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
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From: Ohio
I replaced the coolant temperature sensor. It has two wires. When the key it turned on, the gage drops, and when the engine is at operating temperature, the gage does not move.
I hope that clears that up some...
I hope that clears that up some...
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
As they say a picture is worth a 1,000 words
Or in the case of an electrical problem a factory wiring diagram is worth a 1,000 words.
Or in the case of an electrical problem a factory wiring diagram is worth a 1,000 words.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
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It is perfectly clear to me that you replaced the wrong sensor as pointed out by subford.
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Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Ohio
Ordering proper part now.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
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From: Mexico, Missouri
2 different parts...
ECT - Engine Coolant Temperature "Sensor"
Dash Gauge - Engine Temperature "Sender"
The 2 are commonly referred as the same, but "Sensor" and "Sender" are 2 different items.
ECT - Engine Coolant Temperature "Sensor"
Dash Gauge - Engine Temperature "Sender"
The 2 are commonly referred as the same, but "Sensor" and "Sender" are 2 different items.
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Posting Guru
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From: Ohio
Ok, I now have the right part replaced, and the gauge seems to be operational, but doesn't run much higher than the lowest mark in the normal range, even after a run through town and back.
I know that with the original engine, I had changed the thermostat to the 160 degree version, because of the triple digit summer heat in Utah. I had to do something to keep it from overheating, and it worked. Now that I'm living in PA with cooler temps, and working with the replacement engine, I'm not sure which one is inside. So, only as a precaution, and to know for sure what I have in it, I'm going to swap it out for the 195 degree version, and see how it goes.
At least I know the gauge now works...right?
I hope to get this sorted out by Monday, and get a good baseline of where the gauge needs to be under normal operation. I have a long list of small jobs to complete on this truck before Winter sets in. I don't feel like having it break down and then park it on the side of the house until Spring happens, like I've done each year since moving here.
I know that with the original engine, I had changed the thermostat to the 160 degree version, because of the triple digit summer heat in Utah. I had to do something to keep it from overheating, and it worked. Now that I'm living in PA with cooler temps, and working with the replacement engine, I'm not sure which one is inside. So, only as a precaution, and to know for sure what I have in it, I'm going to swap it out for the 195 degree version, and see how it goes.
At least I know the gauge now works...right?
I hope to get this sorted out by Monday, and get a good baseline of where the gauge needs to be under normal operation. I have a long list of small jobs to complete on this truck before Winter sets in. I don't feel like having it break down and then park it on the side of the house until Spring happens, like I've done each year since moving here.
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frankyford
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Aug 2, 2009 03:17 PM