• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

ACT & ECT sensor location??????

  • Thread starter Thread starter lib88stang
  • Start date Start date Sep 8, 2004

lib88stang

Founding Member
Mar 24, 2001
154
1
18
Pa
Sep 8, 2004
#1
  • Sep 8, 2004
  • #1
I was wondering where the ACT and ECT sensors are on a 88 stang? And what does each one do????

Also how do you check or test a fuseable link???

Thanks
 
1

10HoleLX

Member
Mar 6, 2004
257
0
17
Southern California
Sep 8, 2004
#2
  • Sep 8, 2004
  • #2
Looking at the engine from the front:
ACT (Air charge Temp) is on the right front lower intake
ECT (Engine coolant Temp) is on the Heater tube on the left front lower intake

Fuseable link test- tear open area where link is and use a jumper wire to test the fuse link

I use a semi deep 1" socket to remove those sensors
 

lib88stang

Founding Member
Mar 24, 2001
154
1
18
Pa
Sep 9, 2004
#3
  • Sep 9, 2004
  • #3
what do these sensors do and if they were bad how would the car act????
 

stang_gt_1994

Founding Member
Mar 21, 2002
2,723
0
0
Powder Springs, GA (30 min. from Atlanta)
Sep 9, 2004
#4
  • Sep 9, 2004
  • #4
The ECT tells the PCM the coolant temp and the ACT tells the PCM the incoming air temp. Here is a example if the ECT were to go bad. If the ECT was telling the PCM that it was at -40*F all the time then the car would run rich and never go into closed loop. A good way to test these is to test the voltage of them when the engine is cold and then again when it is at operating temp. When engine is cold the voltage will be between 4-5v. When engine is at operating temp. the voltage will be .4-.6v.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Sep 9, 2004
#5
  • Sep 9, 2004
  • #5
The ACT & ECT have the same thermistor, so the table values are the same

ACT & ECT test data:

Use Pin 46 on the computer for ground for both ECT & ACT to get most accurate readings.

Pin 7 on the computer - ECT signal in. at 176 degrees F it should be .80 volts

Pin 25 on the computer - ACT signal in. at 50 degrees F it should be 3.5 volts. It is a good number if the ACT is mounted in the inlet airbox. If it is mounted in the lower intake manifold, the voltage readings will be lower because of the heat transfer.

Voltages may be measured across the ECT/ACT by probing the connector from the rear. Use care in doing it so that you don't damage the wiring or connector.

Here's the table :

68 degrees F = 3.02 v
86 degrees F = 2.62 v
104 degrees F = 2.16 v
122 degrees F = 1.72 v
140 degrees F = 1.35 v
158 degrees F = 1.04 v
176 degrees F = .80 v
194 degrees F = .61

Ohms measures at the computer with the computer disconnected, or at the sensor with the sensor disconnected.
50 degrees F = 58.75 K ohms
68 degrees F = 37.30 K ohms
86 degrees F = 27.27 K ohms
104 degrees F = 16.15 K ohms
122 degrees F = 10.97 K ohms
140 degrees F = 7.60 K ohms
158 degrees F = 5.37 K ohms
176 degrees F = 3.84 K ohms
194 degrees F = 2.80 K ohms
 

lib88stang

Founding Member
Mar 24, 2001
154
1
18
Pa
Sep 9, 2004
#6
  • Sep 9, 2004
  • #6
Thanks guys
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Idles great, but stumbles when driving
  • Stang9050
  • Oct 15, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
27
Views
761
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Nov 8, 2025
Mcmahst
Engine Keeping O2 sensors lit with long tube headers
  • keel
  • Jul 30, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
196
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Aug 21, 2026
Qtrhrse23
M
Electrical 93 5.0 No Injector Pulse
  • machinermac
  • Jul 26, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
15
Views
342
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Aug 1, 2026
Willybill32
A
P0036 P0056 P0137 P0157 2020 Ford Mustang GT
  • AmkoA
  • Jun 16, 2026
  • 2024+ (S650) Mustang -General/Talk
Replies
0
Views
209
2024+ (S650) Mustang -General/Talk Jun 16, 2026
AmkoA
A
S
Fuel ‘88 GT Runs Rich Cold — Fixes Itself When I Unplug Sensors (ECT, MAF, O2, etc.)
  • Sufarry
  • Nov 6, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
973
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 9, 2025
Mustang5L5
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?