Temperature sensor

2000 FORD EXPLORER
200,378 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • AUTOMATIC
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IGENIUS92
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Hello, I have the vehicle listed above with an EFI OHV engine. I noticed on my gauge cluster two things that the temperature gauge does not work, so I cannot tell if the SUV is hot warm or cold. Which is dangerous because it may be overheating and I would never know because the gauge 85% of the time does not work. I am thinking maybe it is the coolant temperature sensor that is bad or malfunctioning? Does anyone know where the coolant temperature sensors are? Any diagrams? Video's? Does anyone know why the gauge for the temperature inside the SUV on the cluster is not working? Also, the gas gauge fluctuates. It does not stay in one spot, but it does not move far just maybe a half an inch sometimes. However, when I drive seems to sometimes go back in its correct reading. Anyone know what the issue might be?
Jun 27, 2018 at 3:55 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello, I am Danny.

The coolant temperature sensor is located on the top front of engine in close proximity to the thermostat housing. I attached a picture and testing chart. As far as fuel gauge, does it bounce around? Or just settle in different levels?
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Jun 27, 2018 at 7:19 PM
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IGENIUS92
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Okay great. Thank you very much for the information. And about the fuel gauge it seems to settle in different levels drops and raises when it wants to.
Jun 27, 2018 at 11:49 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.

The fuel gauge issue is more likely the sending unit. It is a part of the in-tank fuel pump assembly.. The sending unit is a potentiometer that works using the fuel level as an indicator. Unfortunately, the tank has to be removed to gain access/remove pump-sender assembly. Hope this helps!
Danny-
Jun 28, 2018 at 12:03 AM
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IGENIUS92
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Yes, thank you it was very helpful!
Oh, also, is there another diagram for the coolant temperature sensor? The first kind of blurs.
Jun 28, 2018 at 10:06 AM
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DANNY L
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Hello, Danny here. Okay, I will search for a more detailed picture and get back to you. Danny-
Jun 28, 2018 at 4:13 PM
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DANNY L
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Danny here.
I hope this is more clear. Let me know if this helps!
Danny-
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Jun 28, 2018 at 7:07 PM
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IGENIUS92
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It helps very much and thank you for your knowledge and information. Also, my coolant is dirty never been flushed so if like to drain the fluid run the hose through it to make sure it is all out but what would be the precise coolant to refill my radiator with and how many gallons does it hold? I want to be sure of the right antifreeze coolant once I drain the old fluid to put in the right kind so I will not blow a head gasket or anything. Can you help?
Jun 28, 2018 at 11:38 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello again Danny here. Yes, changing your antifreeze is a normally scheduled service. Fresh coolant does help system performance and prevents rust/corrosion/and damage. I attached a tutorial to watch and a picture of your system requirements. Remember to have your heater on full to flush coolant from the heater core. Danny
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Jun 29, 2018 at 12:58 AM
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IGENIUS92
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Okay great, I will do as such, thanks. What kind of antifreeze should I use to refill the system? Name? Brand? Mixture?
Jun 29, 2018 at 9:27 AM
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DANNY L
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Danny here.
You can use most brands available just do not use the Ford extended life (orange color). Your vehicle requires a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. Your system will hold three gallons total. You can buy the coolant with it already mixed 50/50 but it will cost more that way. If you buy it concentrated you just simply dilute the bottle 50/50 with tap water. With brand and buying it premixed it really just comes down to your budget. Hope this helps!
Danny-
Jun 29, 2018 at 4:24 PM
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IGENIUS92
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Okay, great thank you very much. I will let you know how it works out.
Jun 29, 2018 at 5:40 PM
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DANNY L
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You are welcome! Let me know how it goes and if you have any further questions. Thanks for using 2CarPros. Danny-
Jun 29, 2018 at 5:50 PM
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IGENIUS92
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Great will do I did some searching for the antifreeze. AutoZone has there own brand they said would work, but Wal-Mart is cheaper for the concentrated version. Enclosed I am sending a screen shot of the one I found would this one be good for the flush and refill on my SUV?
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Jun 29, 2018 at 11:14 PM
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DANNY L
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Hi again.

Absolutely! Prestone is a great brand! Your system requires 3.5 gallons so you should get two bottles (which would equal four). Just be sure to flush system really good with just water first before adding the coolant and you will be good to go.

*PS. Since you will be draining system it would be a good time to do preventative maintenance and change the thermostat with system empty. But that is just my opinion.
Danny-
Jun 29, 2018 at 11:30 PM
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IGENIUS92
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Okay, great. That is a good idea. Thanks!
Jun 30, 2018 at 8:09 AM
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DANNY L
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You are welcome! Hope all goes well! Let me know if you have any further questions and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
Jun 30, 2018 at 12:06 PM
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IGENIUS92
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Update: So I did all that you suggested even flushing the coolant and adding new. Now the temperature gauge is working fine. Many thanks!
Jul 6, 2018 at 8:31 AM
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IGENIUS92
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Update so I did all that you suggested even flushing the coolantand adding new.now the temp gauge is working fine many thanks!
Jul 6, 2018 at 8:31 AM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.

You are welcome! Thanks for using 2CarPros.com. Danny-
Jul 6, 2018 at 8:17 PM