Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor

Tiny
USFCIRE
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  • 2002 FORD ESCORT
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 100,000 MILES
So I have a check engine light that keeps showing P0125 as the code. I looked it up and it basically tells me that there is an issue in the temperature sensing of the engine coolant after 10-15 minutes of engine run time.

I live in Kansas and it gets cold sometimes, but I have had the car for more than a year and this is the first time I have seen this code. After doing some looking online I saw that there are several reasons for code to be thrown. I have not seen any issues with the car running rough or any major shift in fuel efficiency. I did have some issues with my temperature gauge not reading accurately, but in the quest to fix this problem, I have solved that issue.

So far I have replaced the two engine coolant temperature sensors (one for the computer one for the gauge) and the thermostat. I have been told that the code can sometimes be thrown due to CHT or air temperature sensor issues. Ialso have been told that the ZX2 often does not like non-motorcraft thermostats.

I have the air temperature sensor and the CHT and a motorcraft thermostat. Unfortunately, I cannot find any instruction online on how to replace the CHT. It would appear that the CHT is hidden very cleverly in the engine, I just can't see where to find it.

So my question is two fold:
1. Am I missing some part of the system that could be causing the code?

2. Where is the CHT located and how do I change it out?

I thought maybe the car doesn't have one, but the car part stores have them in stock, but it wouldn't be the first time the ZX2 and the ZX3 engines have been mistaken for each other in the autopart store computers, after all I have no air cabin filter on the ZX2 but there is one on the ZX3.

So, any help would be appreciated. Also, this problem came up after the first really cold morning. I get up, start the car, and drive 60 mph or more for the first 25 minutes of my drive. Oh, and I have already topped off the coolant multiple times, so low coolant levels are unlikely the cause.

Thanks!

Eric
Friday, December 18th, 2015 AT 1:46 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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The ECT and the CHT are one and the same. They are just being referred to by different names.
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Friday, December 18th, 2015 AT 4:32 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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The p0125 actually means insufficient coolant temp for closed loop operation. It;s not a problem with the sensor, It likely needs a thermostat. Make sure the thermostat you installed is the correct temp for the car.
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Friday, December 18th, 2015 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
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The ect and the cht are two completely different parts and part numbers. They look totally different too. I have the part so if anyone can confirm the ect and cht are the same part that would be helpful, otherwise any guidance to where the cht is located would be appreciated.

I was wondering about the thermostat and that is why I went with motorcraft thermostat instead of the brand O'Reilly carries on stock. I am getting that replaced next and will let you know if that works.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2015 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
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I have looked at the wiring diagram and there is only one coolant temp sensor in the circuit so I don't think you are ever going to find anything. They may have a part number but it doesn't go into that car.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2015 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
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Beside, a coolant temp sensor isn't going to resolve that code anyway.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2015 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
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  • 2003 FORD ESCORT
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Where is the "coolant temperature sensor" located on a 03 ford zx2.
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Friday, February 1st, 2019 AT 8:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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It's on the left side of the engine near the rear.

http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa448/Wrenchtech/87562191.gif
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Friday, February 1st, 2019 AT 8:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RENO380
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  • 2002 FORD ESCORT
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
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There are 2 sensors in this housing, I believe Autozone sold me the wrong part, but I will not know for sure until I find out what the 2 sensors are. My A/C quit working and my fan continuously ran while the engine was on, this happened after I accidently broke the top sensor (the other is on the bottom). I bought a coolant sensor, on this car it is a push in then clip in place. When I installed this sensor the fan continued to run with the engine on only but no A/C. I checked pins 21, 22, and 23 on the ccrm, + on 21, - on 22, nothing on 23. Then I put the broken sensor back in the housing to seal the hole and left the new sensor plugged in, but just hanging and not grounding, everything worked as it should, I grounded the new sensor and everything was back like before.

What is the top sensor? My dash gauge works, and the fan is cycling low to high and back to low as it should.
Thank you, Reno
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Friday, February 1st, 2019 AT 8:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Hello,

Here are diagrams to help you see what sensor is where. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers
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Friday, February 1st, 2019 AT 8:10 PM (Merged)

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