Coolant temp Sensor
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Freshman User
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From: Jackson MI
Coolant temp Sensor
I have a 1988 F-150 with a temp gauge that doesn't function. I replaced one temp sensor on the heater core line by the water pump but the gauge still is not moving. Is there a second sensor for the gauge? Somebody please let me know. 
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From: North East
There is another sensor on the rear passenger side of the block directly beneath the Lower Intake Manafold.
Temp Sensor Location
This pic should help.
Temp Sensor Location
This pic should help.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: North East
To be honest, I am not sure. I would assume it's in the water jacket, and will spill out if you remove the sensor. I would drain it and fill with new anyway, it's a cheap maintenance item in my opinion.
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From: Jackson MI
FUEL TANKS
THANKS FOR THE HELP I AM GOING TO SWITCH IT THIS WEEKEND. ALSO DO YOU KNOW BY CHANCE IF EACH FUEL TANK RUNS OF SEPERATE SENORS BECUASE MY FRONT TANK HAS A LEAK AND MY REAR GAUGE IS EITHER FULL OF EMPTY THERE IS ABOUT TWO SECOND OF BOBBING IN BETWEEN E AND F BEFORE IT LETS YOU KNOW "OH BY THE WAY YOUR OUT OF GAS"
JUST AN AFTER THOUGHT THANKS.
JUST AN AFTER THOUGHT THANKS.
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From: North East
Each tank has it's own sending unit that feeds through the switch on the dash. I did alot of research into this because I designed a circuit that has a red/green led next to each end if the switch, if the tank is below 15% it shows red. I wanted something to remind me when the tank I am not using is empty so I remember to fill it before I need it.
But short answer, 2 sending units, check the contacts and the switch first however, it's the cheeper option if all it is, is a loose wire(s).
But short answer, 2 sending units, check the contacts and the switch first however, it's the cheeper option if all it is, is a loose wire(s).
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Harlan, KY
The temp sender on the side of the block will leak antifreeze when removed. It is difficult to get at. I was told to be careful when installing the new one so that the threads made good contact with the block.
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From: Jackson MI
By good contact do you mean for a ground or don't strip the threads? I was looking for the sensor yesterday and I have no clue how I will have to contort my self under the hood to get at that thing. Thank you Ford for a great position.
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I got under my truck and removed mine. Its a 4x4 also so the space was a bit tough, but it worked.
To be honest i forgot how i got the dang thing off, but it wasn't too difficult...
The coolant sensor is in a water jacket, it'll start pooring out when you take it off. I just sort of swapped fast and put some more coolant in there. Not such a great idea though... thats just asking for an air pocket
The one you replaced is for the ECM temperature sensor, so its not gunna help your gauge..
To be honest i forgot how i got the dang thing off, but it wasn't too difficult...
The coolant sensor is in a water jacket, it'll start pooring out when you take it off. I just sort of swapped fast and put some more coolant in there. Not such a great idea though... thats just asking for an air pocket
The one you replaced is for the ECM temperature sensor, so its not gunna help your gauge..
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From: Jackson MI
Turned out to be fairly easy. I just laid down on the motor with my feet on the driverside and reached down with a wrench. I ended up not getting a bubble or a crossthread. Lost maybe a cup of coolant then just added in the resivior. The truck runs at the "O" in NORMAL. I also found that the line that goes from behind my first cat had the smog pump line disconnected (that would explain the headaches I was getting) so I reconnected that. Now the only other thing I have to do is fix the leak in th front tank and the sending units. The rest that is wrong with the truck is rust and there is no curing that on this one. But it runs strong. Thanks for the advice
Jordan
Jordan
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