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Coolant Temp Sensor not Working

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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 02:55 PM
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Question Coolant Temp Sensor not Working

Hi Guys, I am at a loss here and could use a little help. I just replaced my water pump on my 99' F350 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke and replaced the ECT sensor that is mounted to the water pump. The water pump is working great, but I am getting no reading on my dash gauge (stock). It was working prior to the water pump replacement, so I doubt it is anything in the dash. I went ahead and replaced the sender (ECT) again, same thing, no reading, needle just sits there not even moving to the "C".

I am wondering if there is any relay or fuse that I should be checking. The wire looks fine and I am plugging it in all the way. All other gauges appear to be working fine. I am using an aftermarket sender "GP Sorenson", don't know if that is the problem or not.

Any suggestions on how to fix this are appreciated.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 03:11 PM
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From: Central, Al
Is yours an auto or Manual Tranny?
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 03:42 PM
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Automatic 4x4 Transmission
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 04:02 PM
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From: Central, Al
Only manual tranny trucks have an actual temp sensor, the auto have a "State" sensor that tells the PCM it is cold, normal, or hot. Is that after market sender specifically for an auto tranny powerstroke?

Another possibility is an air pocket traped under the sensor, loosen the sender (dont remove it all the way) and let it "Burp".
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 04:16 PM
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Thanks Alan, I'll try to burp the sensor. I guess I assumed it was the correct sensor, it was listed for my (exact)truck as a coolant temperature sensor at Advance Auto Parts. The Haynes manual calls it an ECT sensor. The exact part is :

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...pe=290&ptset=A

Let me know if you think this is only for the manually tranny.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 06:22 PM
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From: Central, Al
I had to double check the service manual to be sure but the sender is the same but the PCM does not use the input for adaptive cooling in our auto's it only drives the gauge..

It does not give a range table but the sender should have high resistance when cold and gradually drop as the coolant warms
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 09:06 PM
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Burped the sensor to no avail. It is like the meter isn't reading at all (why I thought maybe a fuse or relay), the needle doesn't move at all, Going to re-check the wires, then try the OEM gauge, but really stumped on this one.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 09:18 PM
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If you want the pinpoint test for the sender/gauge PM me your email address
 
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Old May 29, 2021 | 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by smokecheck
Burped the sensor to no avail. It is like the meter isn't reading at all (why I thought maybe a fuse or relay), the needle doesn't move at all, Going to re-check the wires, then try the OEM gauge, but really stumped on this one.
Hey bud did you ever solve this? I just did the water pump in my 2000 F 250 7.3 auto tranny 4x4 - broke the OEM coolant temp sensor - bought the same one (i think) as you from Advanced auto - still not working - worked fine before the new water pump goes in. - I use my coolant gauge to tell me when to switch to vegetable oil fuel - any help is appreciated !
 
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Old May 29, 2021 | 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by vegtoph
Hey bud did you ever solve this? I just did the water pump in my 2000 F 250 7.3 auto tranny 4x4 - broke the OEM coolant temp sensor - bought the same one (i think) as you from Advanced auto - still not working - worked fine before the new water pump goes in. - I use my coolant gauge to tell me when to switch to vegetable oil fuel - any help is appreciated !

@vegtoph Read the following thread. Parts house sensors look right but don't Ohm out the same so they don't work. Get motorcraft

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ct-sensor.html
 
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Old May 29, 2021 | 03:17 PM
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This is an old but renewed by the question....

When it comes to the 7.3 pre and Power Stroke you are waisting money and time on anything other than Motorcraft or Navistar sensors, almost always do not work...
 
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Old May 30, 2021 | 06:22 AM
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Thanks Allabout MPG! I appreciate it! Will order an OEM sensor tuesday as all the dealers are closed for the weekend - I did go back to the Advance Auto where I got the sensor, and they can order the Motocraft SW 5130 sensor that people are saying is the correct one. But I am not sure that I trust it even though on the Advance Computer it said SW 5130 - I think I will not take my chances and just order the Ford one -- Thanks for all the help!
 
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Old May 30, 2021 | 02:48 PM
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Some auto parts stores are Motorcraft retailers at least on basic items like oil and fuel filters, so it might be the right sensor.
 
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