Coolant Temperature Sensor
Thread Starter
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7th Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
Coolant Temperature Sensor
I have a 1996 Ford F350 XL 2WD with a 7.3L Turbodiesel in it..where is the Coolant Temperature Sensor located? I replaced the sensor next to the thermostat but I do not think that was the right sensor. Thanks in advance!
Thread Starter
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7th Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
Gents,
Thanks! I replaced the sensor labled "for gauge" in the picture and my gauge still barely moves after its been running for 20 minutes. I will put a multi-meter on the connector and see if that is the issue. Is the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor separate from this photo or are they one in the same? Just wanted to make sure the engine did not have two sensors. Thanks again!
Thanks! I replaced the sensor labled "for gauge" in the picture and my gauge still barely moves after its been running for 20 minutes. I will put a multi-meter on the connector and see if that is the issue. Is the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor separate from this photo or are they one in the same? Just wanted to make sure the engine did not have two sensors. Thanks again!
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 324
Likes: 14
Three that I know of:
Overheat Warning Switch - for light
Coolant Temperature Sender - for gauge
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor (EOT) - for computer input
You haven't really said what you are trying to do so I'm just guessing what to tell you.
Overheat Warning Switch - for light
Coolant Temperature Sender - for gauge
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor (EOT) - for computer input
You haven't really said what you are trying to do so I'm just guessing what to tell you.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,476
Likes: 2,009
From: North Texas
Wait, so what exactly is going on with your rig? What is your location? 20min of idling only, do not expect much if any heat build up.
It takes a bunch of driving to get mine hot and temps have been mild lately...I also use the 203F stat as I do not tow past 10000lbs like some guys here. I use mine mainly for construction and occasional car towing. If you tow all the time and heavy, they recommend sticking with the 180F unit.
It takes a bunch of driving to get mine hot and temps have been mild lately...I also use the 203F stat as I do not tow past 10000lbs like some guys here. I use mine mainly for construction and occasional car towing. If you tow all the time and heavy, they recommend sticking with the 180F unit.
Thread Starter
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7th Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
Gents,
The issue is that the coolant temperature gauge does not reach normal operating temperature. I have ran the truck at a speed between 30-50mph for over 30 minutes and the needle on the gauge barely enters the "normal" range. I have experience with big rigs, but admittedly am a novice with the 7.3L. To me, that is not normal. I replaced the coolant temperature sensor next to the thermostat labeled "for gauge" in the picture, but it seems to have had no effect. I will put a multi-meter to test the connection when this Nor-Easter stops. But if the truck is behaving normally, please let me know. Thank you.
The issue is that the coolant temperature gauge does not reach normal operating temperature. I have ran the truck at a speed between 30-50mph for over 30 minutes and the needle on the gauge barely enters the "normal" range. I have experience with big rigs, but admittedly am a novice with the 7.3L. To me, that is not normal. I replaced the coolant temperature sensor next to the thermostat labeled "for gauge" in the picture, but it seems to have had no effect. I will put a multi-meter to test the connection when this Nor-Easter stops. But if the truck is behaving normally, please let me know. Thank you.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Actually, the water sensors seldom fail. Have you thought of replacing the thermostat? Also don't know where you are located, warm climate or very cold climate areas as it makes a difference. With a working thermostat you should see temps about in the middle of the gauge after a 30 minute run or so, hard run, but not just idling.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2013
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My dash temperature gauge takes a while to get to the N in NORMAL and does not move much more than that. It usually resides between the N and O and has been doing that since I got my '96 F250 22 years ago. It's just one of those characteristics that many OBS trucks seem to have.
