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Location of the coolant temperature sensor?

Tiny
DGILL53
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 FORD EXPLORER
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
Where is the coolant temperature sensor located on the engine?
Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 7:57 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The sensor is under the lower intake manifold. The manifold must be removed to access the sensor.

Why are you replacing the sensor? What is the issue?

Roy

Lower Intake Manifold
Removal

NOTICE: During engine repair procedures, cleanliness is extremely important. Any foreign material, including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces that enters the oil passages, coolant passages or the oil pan, can cause engine failure.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. REFER to Section 100-02, Jacking and Lifting, Lifting Points.
Release the fuel system pressure. REFER to Section 310-00, Fuel System Pressure Release.
Disconnect the battery ground cable. REFER to Section 414-01, Battery Disconnect.
Drain the cooling system. REFER to Section 303-03, Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding.
Remove the upper intake manifold. Refer to Upper Intake Manifold.
Disconnect the 6 fuel injector electrical connectors.
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Disconnect the fuel supply tube-to-fuel rail quick connect coupling. REFER to Section 310-00, Quick Connect Coupling. Position fuel supply tube aside.
Remove the bolt from the fuel supply tube-to-rail bracket.
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Remove the 2 thermostat housing-to-lower intake manifold bolts.
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Remove the 10 bolts and the lower intake manifold.
Remove and discard the intake manifold and thermostat housing gaskets.
Clean and inspect all sealing surfaces.
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 8:36 AM
Tiny
DGILL53
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This is on my daughter's car and she said it sent a code that the sensor was bad, but when I checked under the hood I noticed a nest from a pack rat on top of the battery. I removed the engine cover and noticed some chewed wires now I'm wondering if one of them was for the sensor. Not sure how I can check that. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 9:19 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Okay, codes never tell you to replace anything. It is an indication of a failure in that system.

Can you give me the code number so I can look it up for you?

Roy
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
DGILL53
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  • 8 POSTS
The code is P0456.
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 9:45 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, whoever told her the sensor was bad missed the boat and could have spent a lot of money for nothing.

The code is for an EVAP leak in the emission system. You would need a smoke test to find the leak and have it repaired.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-emission-control-systems-work

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/evap-system-code-repair

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/smog-test-inspection-information

It has absolutely nothing to do with the coolant sensor.

Roy
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 10:15 AM
Tiny
DGILL53
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Okay, more info. The code was for the EVAP gizmo which I replaced for her. She told me there was an image that lit up on the dashboard with a message about the coolant temperature. She doesn't remember the exact wording of that message though. She'll be going to AutoZone later to have that code removed, but that still leaves the coolant sensor problem unresolved, if that is what it is. I'm not a mechanic but in my 76 years I can't recall too many temperature sensors going bad, but what do I know.
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 10:56 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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See if she can take a snap shot of that message and post it here. If there is not a code, there is no problem.

What gizmo did you replace?

Roy
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM
Tiny
DGILL53
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I think it was called an evap purge valve.
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
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That is a warning the engine is overheating. It is not saying the temperature sender is bad.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-an-overheating-engine

You need to check the coolant to be sure it is up to level.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Roy
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
DGILL53
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Hey, Roy. Before I continue I just want to thank you for all your good info. My daughter said she had to put coolant in it but that light stays on even when she first starts it.
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Okay, she needs to take it somewhere and have them check it. Let them check it out and tell you the issue. Do not tell them what needs to be done. Let them do there job and then get back to me with the results.

Roy
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM
Tiny
DGILL53
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Thanks Roy, I'll pass that on to her.
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Keep us updated.

Roy
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
DGILL53
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Thanks, I will but it may take some time, as she's alone with 3 small kids. Not too easy to get around.
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 12:21 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, we will be here for you.

Roy
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Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 12:23 PM

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