Need to replace the ECT Sensor?

Tiny
ABBIDABBI
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 FORD MUSTANG
  • 65,000 MILES
What are the steps to remove an ECT sensor on a 2007 mustang V6 engine.
Wednesday, June 27th, 2012 AT 12:39 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I am attaching the steps from the manual and location view on how to replace the sensor. Let us know if you need more info. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Friday, November 27th, 2020 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
SHASTAD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 FORD MUSTANG
My car overheats when I don't cut on the a/c fan. I noticed that the gauges that tell you if the car is hot or cold are not working. Do you think I need to replace my cooling system sensor? This is the sensor that will tell the cooling fan to come on & I think it connects to the gauges? Not sure. I have checked the thermostat, radiator & for leaks. The 1st day I did see a little drip of water coming from somewhere, but the next day I didn't. When the a/c is not on the water will start to overflow, but once I turn it on & the fan starts blowing it starts to work.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Inspect and test the engine coolant temperature sensor


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_ect_16.jpg

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+5
Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TURNER5109
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2001 FORD MUSTANG
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Hey, I'm trying to replace my coolant temp sensor but I can't find it. Everyone says it's on the front of the engine but nothing is there. A pic would be great!

Thanks,
Dave
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Look on or near the thermostat housing which is at the end of the upper radiator hose. The coolant temperature sensor for the Engine Computer has two wires going to it. If you have a temperature gauge on the dash, you may also have a single-wire sensor for that.

If you still don't find it you'll have to list which engine you have so I can look up a picture. Be aware that other than on early '90s Fords, coolant temperature sensors have an extremely low failure rate. What are you trying to solve? It's much more common to have wiring problems.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TURNER5109
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the fast reply! The engine is a 3.8 liter. I've had several people look for it on the front of the engine with no luck. If you can find a pic that would be great!
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TURNER5109
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I think it the sensor because my gauge isn't working

Thanks
Dave
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
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It appears there is just one coolant temperature sensor, and it is an input to the instrument cluster. From there the data is transmitted to the Engine Computer. If the sensor or its wiring are defective, a diagnostic fault code would be set directing you to that circuit. It is much more likely the instrument cluster is defective. That is a computer module so it is very unreliable compared to when gauges were simple circuits.

The only component location drawing I can find doesn't show the coolant temperature sensor. It only shows a cylinder head temperature sensor. There was a reference to the front of the engine as you already know. Another section referenced that sensor being on a hose to the heater core.

This drawing is from Mitchell ProDemand.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEVIN1982
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 FORD MUSTANG
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 172,217 MILES
I replace the thermostat also temperature sensor, coolant levels are good right as a gauge reaches the "N" for normal the fan kicks on. Can I remove the needle from the motor allow it to whine down then replace it at the cold?
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hello,

What has happened is the gauge has gone bad and needs to be replaced. So it would be best to get a used cluster out of another car. I would call a wrecking yard or go online to find a place that has one.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/98-mustang-cluster

$115.00 not bad.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KOOLDUDE0788
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
  • 1995 FORD MUSTANG
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 145,000 MILES
I changed the radiator, radiator cap, 4 thermostats ( (ended up with a fail safe one) coolant temperature sensor, and a temp switch. But STILL! The needle will start out in the cool zone then it will spike all the way to the red then stay there. I know for a fact that the coolant isn't that hot because I put my hand behind the fan and its blowing cool air. Not to mention I could touch the radiator houses without getting burned. What else could it possibly be? Coolant levels are good and mixture is good too. I'm about ready to teach this car how to fly of a cliff right now.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

remove the wire of the sender unit and turn on the ignition. If the gauge spikes then you will have a problem with the gauge wire earthing out. If nothing happens, re check the sender unit.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KOOLDUDE0788
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
When I disconnected the wire to the coolant temp. Sensor the gauge just died. Could it be a voltage regulator? Because I notice the needle seemed to move around a little when I would use the power windows. I'm also starting to think it could be the water pump cause now that I think of it I dont remember seeing the coolant flowing when I looked down the radiator, It was a cold start but I have a fail safe thermostat.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Check the voltage supply at fuse No 15. This is the power supply for the gauge and a number of other items, check that the voltage is stable with revs, try this. If volts are unstable check voltage reg operation, thy this.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)

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