2002 ford sport trac.I have been having an ongoing issue that started with the engine cranking but would not turn over until an hour passed. After replacing multiple parts (cam shaft sensor, crankshaft sensor, ignition pack) I am now down to poor fuel economy as the last of the issues (roughly 12 in the city and 15 highway). I was told the issue may be the engine coolant temperature sensor going bad so I decided to replace it. I found this was very difficult due to it being a plug and locking pin design and in a very tight spot in the engine. I tried to purchase a replacement and the parts store kept trying to insist on selling me a part with threading. I finally found someone that figured out the issue and found the part for the 2001 sport trac had the same plug style with clip that did fit but was shaped a little different on the sensor end which I assume was due to being aftermarket. I noticed that there were two plugs side by side and the one easiest to access was on the left and I was told the one on the right was the sensor that gave the temperature reading to the gauge. After installing the engine coolant tempurature sensor I found the temperature gauge on the dash now will not respond and is sitting below the cold end of the gauge completely off. Is it possible this is because the part was for a 2001? Is the sensor on the left (passenger side) the engine coolant sensor?I would hate to put the old sensor back in just to test if thats the issue due how difficult it was to put that locking pin back on. Does anyone have any ideas on what to check that could resolve the gauge issue before pulling this sensor back out?

 

The dash gauge temp has no bearing on the ECU, so therefor will not change the computers use of fuel.

I suggest you find someone with a computer and adapter to read the live sensor values, throwing parts blindly at any problem usually cost unnecessary $$$

 

Chances are you disconnected something, retrace your steps and check everything. The ECT has no effect on the gauge, as it has its own independent sensor.

 

Hi ,
I'm having the same problem . And now I found out I may have replaced parts I didn't need to ... most likely outta guilt ,lol. the thermostat housing was leaking and there is really no warning til it goes over .I had the engine looked at after replacing almost the whole cooling system. the temp sender went sky high when it overheated . and the tech told me it "spun" the gage when it went all the way up and stayed there for a while (new at the dealer for about $ 70.00 ) I'm not sure about the labor , quoted me approx. $ 130.00..... I plan to try and install it myself .... hell , I did all the other work ha ha ha ha ! .... good luck !!