Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

HELP: unplugging ECT cures miss. How???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 11, 2005 | 10:36 AM
  #1  
meck1's Avatar
meck1
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
20 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 426
Likes: 4
HELP: unplugging ECT cures miss. How???

Can somebody tell me what effect unplugging the ECT (engine coolant) sensor will have on fuel mixture, timing, etc?
I have a pesky miss when the engine is cold on my '87 F250, 300EFI engine, with 262,000 miles.. I've done all the usual, and many unusual, tests suggested by helpful people on this forum. It still misses and I've been driving it on as it runs perfectly once warmed up.
The miss is gradually getting worse, taking longer to disappear as the engine heats up, so I'm trying again to find its source. This morning, I umplugged the ECT Sensor, then started the truck. At 28 degrees outside, it was a little slow to start, and I had to keep it going with the accelerator, but it ran great with no miss. I plugged in the ECT and got an instant miss. Unplugged it again, and there was no miss.
I tested the sensor (which has already been replaced once) using Haynes Manual and Charles Probst manual procedures, and it checks out as being okay. Before I spend money trying and buying another one, I would like to know more about how this ECT works so I can try thinking through completely about what is going on here. (By the way, the "computer"/ECM has already been changed)
I'm hoping some of you can help me.

Thanks,
 
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2005 | 02:49 PM
  #2  
MustangGT221's Avatar
MustangGT221
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Club FTE Gold Member
The ECT sensor helps the computer in its phases of engine operation, whether it be cold start up, warm, etc...

It controls the computers input for open/closed loop operations...

Have you checked what kind of voltage the sensor is putting out?
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cntroes
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
5
Mar 9, 2015 06:20 AM
montanasteve
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Nov 13, 2014 10:07 AM
Mark_in_co
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
7
Sep 15, 2014 04:12 PM
npccpartsman
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Sep 4, 2013 07:11 AM
mattoney
Bronco II
64
Aug 10, 2007 05:14 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:55 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE