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Engine coolant temperature sensor.

Tiny
MIKE SCHLICK
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I need to replace the engine coolant temperature sensor or ECT sensor on my car. Where is it, and how hard is it to replace?
Wednesday, May 4th, 2016 AT 8:54 PM

25 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Hello,

The engine coolant temperature sensor is at the rear of the engine cylinder head on the right side of the engine here is a guide to help walk you through the steps to change it out with the location of the sensor in the diagrams below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Wednesday, May 4th, 2016 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
MIKE SCHLICK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2012 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I need to replace the coolant temperature sensor on my car I cannot find where the sensor is though, so could some please give me a picture or diagram of it? Thank you!
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Saturday, January 19th, 2019 AT 4:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I found this picture. It appears to be on backside of cylinder head, driver side.
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Saturday, January 19th, 2019 AT 4:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DGPROZZO
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
  • 2008 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
The check engine light has come on and the computer at Auto Zone suggests the engine coolant temperature sensor needs to be replaced. The computer also suggested the thermostat could be bad, but I do not think so. The coolant level is okay. The car is not overheating or running too cold. No trouble starting when cold. The temperature gauge in the dash is right in the middle of the range, where it has always been. As far as I can tell, replacing the sensor should be relatively easy. But, we cannot locate in on the car. Any help, including diagrams would be appreciated.
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It is probably the cylinder head temperature sensor. Here is a guide that will show you the steps to change it with diagrams below to show the location for your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

I would check the thermostat anyway because sometimes Ford makes the gauge more like a light which just stays in the middle unless you have big problems. This guide will give you an idea of what to looks for.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Check out the diagrams (Below).
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DGPROZZO
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
That solved the problem. Thanks!
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHN NOPE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I am trying to find the location of the coolant temperature sensor. A video would be great!
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

I have included the information that you requested in the diagrams down below. The Engine Coolant Temperature sensor (ECT) is located in the center of the rear of the engine, in the thermostat housing.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHN NOPE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Actually, it was on the right side middle.
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHN NOPE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The problem now is the pay they sold me isn't for the car. Having trouble determining which to order.
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
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Hello again,

Your vehicle is a 2002 Ford Focus 2.0L Automatic, right? What is the exact model of your vehicle? Is is a Focus wagon, wagon ZTW, ZTS, ZX3, or a ZX5? I have included some general information in the diagrams down below for you. I can look up the correct part number for you as soon as I have the exact model you have.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHN NOPE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Did the image of the engine show up?
It's a 4 door se
2.0 split port SOHC (I think)
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

As promised, here is the information that you requested in the diagrams down below. Please if you have any other questions about anything automotive, please, feel free to ask. That is why we are here.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMSONHATE7
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2005 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
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  • 325,000 MILES
I have a 2005 Ford Focus pzev. I'm trying to replace the cylinder head temperature sensor but I'm having difficulty because it is below the valve cover between spark plug numbers 2 & 3. I can't seem to find a deep wall socket or any ford specific tool to r & r it. The problem is the distance between the 3/4 nut/bolt and the top of the sensor is too great so either the socket is not wide enough to fit around the top of the sensor or bottoms out before getting a bite. Needle nose pliers do not work as well because there is not enough room around the sensor. I really don't want to remove the valve cover because I just replaced the valve cover gaskets not more than 3 months ago. Is there another way or a tool I need to obtain?
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Monday, June 1st, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I have to be honest, some of these can be a pain. Have you already purchased a new sensor? Does the socket you are using properly fit over it? If it does, check the old sensor to make sure it takes a standard type socket. I know that some sensors are designed in a way that requires a special socket.
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Monday, June 1st, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMSONHATE7
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I tried asking a couple dealership service depts to no avail. I wound up removing the valve cover anyway. Lucky for me the gaskets were in excellent condition so I reused them. I went ahead and made it an all day event and to the opportunity to check my bearing caps for play along with camshaft lobe integrity and clearances. I guess it's just gonna have to stay a pain. In all likelyhood, at least I won't have to mess with it again.
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Monday, June 1st, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Sorry you had to go through all that, but I'm glad you got it fixed.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, June 1st, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BEV SINGLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Where is the water temperature sensor located at on the car listed above it is the SE 2.0 z tech?
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Monday, June 1st, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

The engine coolant temperature sensor is located in the cylinder head toward the front of the engine. Here is a guide and some diagrams (below) to help you get the job done.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, June 1st, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BRENT HAWKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 FORD FOCUS
  • 160 MILES
I have a 16V-Zetec ZTS Ford Focus. Car is running rough. Skipping and bucking during acceleration. Weather has turned cooler and car is beginning to idle rough also. Check engine light is on. Code P0125. Coolant Temp Sensor. Cant find the sensor to replace.
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Monday, June 1st, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)

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