2016 Ford F-150 CHT Sensor Location

2016 FORD F-150
85,550 MILES • 5.0L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BRAD JONES2
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Cylinder head temperature sensor and putting the engine as overheating. Coolant tank is full no leaks. Changed the oil last week. (Jiffy Lube) Just put gas in the truck drove 1/4 mile parked at a restaurant picked up food got in the truck it sputtered during the start but it did start. Drove about 3 miles engine light came on and radiator light. The truck then cut back on power. Is the sensor under intake manifold?
Oct 5, 2019 at 5:34 AM
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BMDOUBLE
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It’s on the back side of the passenger side head. The best way to get at it is through the passenger side fender well and removing the fender liner for easier access and fewer curse words, lol. Also inspect the connector and the wiring for rodent damage! I’ve done lots of them for chewed up wiring. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Jan 21, 2021 at 5:29 AM
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BRAD JONES2
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Thanks I will take a look. Could a bad DC to AC converter affect the CHT sensor?
Jan 21, 2021 at 5:29 AM
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BMDOUBLE
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That is a possibility if it induces noise into the electrical system.
Jan 21, 2021 at 5:29 AM
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WAYNE1963
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Where is my cylinder head temperature sensor located?
May 6, 2021 at 12:01 PM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Picture attached.

Roy
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May 6, 2021 at 12:01 PM (Merged)
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WAYNE1963
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Having a tough time getting the deep sockets i have over the fitting.
May 6, 2021 at 12:01 PM (Merged)
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WAYNE1963
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Never mind, and thanks for all your help with the diagram, found it impact socket that would work.
May 6, 2021 at 12:01 PM (Merged)
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DRAGON45
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Was driving down dirt road got on slight angle and coolant was registering low. Coolant sensor came on and car shut off. I was able to restart with adding coolant but engine wanted to rev to compensate. Engine was not overheated I had only driven maybe 5 minutes. I need to replace coolant sensor but can't find location.

Urgent picking up relative from airport today. :(
May 6, 2021 at 12:01 PM (Merged)
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BMDOUBLE
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The cylinder head temperature sensor is mounted at the rear of the passenger side cylinder head. To replace it you'll need to remove the passenger side fender splash shield for access, disconnect the sensor and unscrew the sensor. reverse for installation.
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May 6, 2021 at 12:01 PM (Merged)
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DRAGON45
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Thank you. Replaced and fixed. Knowing the senser was on the cylinder head helped tremendously!
May 6, 2021 at 12:01 PM (Merged)
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BMDOUBLE
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Awesome! You’re welcome!
May 6, 2021 at 12:01 PM (Merged)
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OLVERAMANUEL62
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Where is it located?
May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon.

The sensor is on the rear of the drivers side cylinder head. Here is a guide to help you see step by step what to do with diagrams below to show you on your truck. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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OLVERAMANUEL62
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No attachment I got a diagram but it shows the sensor is on the back of the engine and the text said that it is on the front of the engine.
May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are correct, sorry. That was me.It is on the back passenger side of the motor. Sorry, I took a quick look and thought it was the front.
May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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OLVERAMANUEL62
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Okay, no problem. Thanks, I will try to find it an get to it again. Thanks
May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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PREZAZADEH
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On 3.5L Ecoboost, it is on the passenger side above the flywheel housing. You can get to it from the top of the engine. I had to lay on the engine and reach back there to get to it. Or you can remove the wheel well liner to get behind the engine. I did it both ways it was easier to screw it back in, from the wheel well.
May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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PREZAZADEH
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Yes, Roy. Your diagram was very helpful. I couldn't get behind the engine so I used my phone to video the exact location then replaced it. It needs 3/4 deep well socket. I don't get the "Engine Coolant Overtemperature" warning anymore and temperature reading is stable.
May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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GSIVILS12
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I am trying to locate my cylinder head temperature sensor. I have the Ecoboost engine. My cooling fans have begun to run on high speed only a couple seconds after starting the truck. I believe my CHT sensor has gone out causing my fans to come on as a fail safe. I have had no error codes come up nor have I had any engine temperature issues. I have noticed a decrease in fuel efficiency however.
May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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Hello,

I have found out that the sensor is in the rear of the cylinder head Here is a guide that will give you an idea of what you are in for when doing the job.

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

Here are some diagrams to help you see for yourself where the sensors are I have included all different engine for that turck so anyone coming to this post can be helped.

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
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May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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PREZAZADEH
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On 3.5L Ecoboost, it is on the passenger side above the flywheel housing. You can get to it from the top of the engine. I had to lay on the engine and reach back there to get to it.
Or you can remove the wheel well liner to get behind the engine. I did it both ways it was easier to screw it back in, from the wheel well.
May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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Excellent addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)
May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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LEROYBUBBA
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Where is the cylinder head sensor located?
May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
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At the rear of the right cylinder head back near the flywheel/flex plate. Here is a diagram and a guide to help you step by step with diagrams BELOW to show your coolant sensor location.

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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May 6, 2021 at 12:03 PM (Merged)
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LEROYBUBBA
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How do you get to it? Do you need to remove the passenger fender well?
May 6, 2021 at 12:04 PM (Merged)
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PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
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I bet if you mark, then remove the hood you can right down in there and remove it, but honestly, I do not think that you would have to. I know you probably will not have to remove the fender.
Have you even attempted to reach it yet?
May 6, 2021 at 12:04 PM (Merged)
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LEROYBUBBA
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Yes, I tried to get to it. Can get my hand on it but having trouble disconnecting the plug. Know I will have trouble getting socket in it.

Decided to change it because cooling fans would not kick on. After checking fuses, relays and making sure fans worked I found the weep hole on the water pump had antifreeze leaning out of it. Yesterday I Changed the water pump and replaced a 185 degree thermostat (changed one month ago due to overheating) with a 165 degree thermostat, the fans now come on. No overheating and noticed gas mileage improved. Old pump impeller good shape and did not slide on shaft but pump bearings had slack. What fixed the overheating issue?
May 6, 2021 at 12:04 PM (Merged)
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PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
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Probably because the cooling fans now come on. If you did not do anything specific to make them come back on, perhaps wiggling around those wires at the cylinder head temperature sensor caused the fans to come back on. If so, you might have a loose connection there.
May 6, 2021 at 12:04 PM (Merged)
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CRAB69
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I have error codes P1289 and P1290; high input and low input.And is it fairly easy to replace?Thank you for your time,chuck
May 6, 2021 at 12:04 PM (Merged)
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LEROYBUBBA
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Thank you.
May 6, 2021 at 12:04 PM (Merged)
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SCGRANTURISMO
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Hello,

I have included the information that you requested in the diagrams down below. I have also included diagnostic information on DTC's P1289 and P1290 as well. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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May 6, 2021 at 12:04 PM (Merged)
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CRAB69
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Thank you for the rapid response. I will have to check the location and feasibility of my replacing it tomorrow. Again, thank you for your efforts.
May 6, 2021 at 12:04 PM (Merged)
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BMDOUBLE
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Also inspect for rodent damage, I’ve had to repair dozens of these for rodent damage because they love to nest in the valley.
May 6, 2021 at 12:04 PM (Merged)

Suggested Repair

The cylinder head temperature sensor is at the rear of the passenger-side cylinder head, above the flywheel housing on the 3.5L EcoBoost. Access it from above or by removing the passenger fender liner; a 3/4-inch deep socket was reported to fit. Inspect the connector and wiring for rodent damage or a loose connection, and replace the sensor if faulty. If overheating or fan problems remain, also check coolant level, the water pump weep hole, thermostat, and fan operation.

Conversation Summary

Owners of a 2016 Ford F-150 asked where the cylinder head temperature sensor is located after overheating warnings, reduced power, high-speed cooling fans, poor fuel economy, or codes P1289 and P1290. Experts and owners identified it at the rear of the passenger-side cylinder head and described access from above or through the passenger fender liner. They also advised checking the connector and wiring for rodent damage or a poor connection. One owner found a leaking water pump and thermostat issues, after which the fans operated and overheating stopped.

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