Engine Temp Switch And Engine Temp Sensor

[BlackOnBlackATX]

OK so i was in autozone and i got a little confused so i bought both knowing i can return one if necessary. the "switch" is the one in the water outlet, so i know i need it. but my chiltons doesnt really mention the sensor. should i assume its unnecessary for me? thanks guys. the searches all keep turning up posts on the ECT codes for me, so i couldnt really find my answer.


EDIT - i just saw a post that said the sensor is down by the starter. is this right?

<small>[ April 24, 2003, 06:28 PM: Message edited by: BlackOnBlackATX ]</small>

 

[Rob94]

The ECT is the sensor that tells the computer how warm or cool the engine coolant is. The other sensor sends the reading to the dash gauge. They are both right near the thermostat housing.

 

[ShoMeWhatIWantToKnow]

If you dont want to take back the coolant temp switch it wouldnt hurt to install a new one. The switch tells your gauge the temp level of your coolant. But it might not help if your gauges are off (Like all of mine). The sensor tells you computer how hot or cold your coolant is. The computer will regulate your air/fuel according to the heat of your engine temp. The colder the coolant the richer the fuel mix will be.

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

well i get what the sensors do, and im suspecting my ECT is causing a slight misfire when accelerating uphill...but i dont really know where the sensor is housed. i know about the one in the wateroutlet, but where can i find the other one?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

BlackOnBlackATX:
well i get what the sensors do, and im suspecting my ECT is causing a slight misfire when accelerating uphill...but i dont really know where the sensor is housed. i know about the one in the wateroutlet, but where can i find the other one?

About 4 inches aft.

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

booyah! thanks, its getting done sunday morning.

 

[BeatDaSHO]

The ECT will not cause a slight misfire going up a hill. It doens't have anything to do with that. Most likely your plugs and/or wires need to be replaced. Get the motorcraft agsp32pp plugs and the motorcraft wires. www.fordpartsnetwork.com

Greg

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

BeatDaSHO, well the plugs are new and the wires are getting replaced within 2 weeks. but the ECT can cause misifiring and odd running conditions (not to say it causes misfires directly, but through its innaccuracy of telling the computer to run rich or lean). ive seen it in a number of posts in the maintenance sections. check it out. i didnt believe it at first, but its possible.

im not even 100% sure if what i have is misfire. im actually pretty stumped by it so im still trying to go a few rounds to figure it out. i had started a post about my problem a while ago and i got some real good suggestions so im trying them all systematically. catch ya later.


ps - if youre buying from FPN, youre paying too much. ive found alot of good deals from other places, although $99 for wires isnt that bad ill admit. helps to save money where you can

<small>[ April 26, 2003, 10:59 AM: Message edited by: BlackOnBlackATX ]</small>