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ECT sensor replacement/thermostat Q's

  • Thread starter Thread starter dbizzay
  • Start date Start date Dec 1, 2003
D

dbizzay

New Member
Apr 14, 2003
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Surrey
Dec 1, 2003
#1
  • Dec 1, 2003
  • #1
After pulling the codes on my car, I need to change my ECT sensor (engine coolant temperature sensor). Where is this sensor located? The guy who owned the care before me put in a cooler thermostat as well. Should I return to the stock stat when I install then new ECT sensor?


Derek
 
D

dbizzay

New Member
Apr 14, 2003
88
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0
Surrey
Dec 1, 2003
#2
  • Dec 1, 2003
  • #2
TTT - man, this thing got buried fast.
 

cjones

Founding Member
Jul 20, 2002
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37
Avondale, AZ
Dec 2, 2003
#3
  • Dec 2, 2003
  • #3
first, when you pulled the codes, was the engine at normal operating temp??

you should not go below a 180* thermostat.

the ECT is located on the top front right side of the engine. it has 2 wires on the connector.
 
D

dbizzay

New Member
Apr 14, 2003
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Surrey
Dec 2, 2003
#4
  • Dec 2, 2003
  • #4
Yup, I ran the test right after I'd driven the car for about 25 minutes.
Thanks for the help!
 
Q

QCStang

Founding Member
Mar 28, 2002
813
1
18
Aylmer, Quebec, Canada
Dec 2, 2003
#5
  • Dec 2, 2003
  • #5
dbizzay said:
After pulling the codes on my car, I need to change my ECT sensor (engine coolant temperature sensor). Where is this sensor located? The guy who owned the care before me put in a cooler thermostat as well. Should I return to the stock stat when I install then new ECT sensor?


Derek
Click to expand...
Should be right on the top of the engine, there will be a connector on it to the harness. Looks like the ACT when you pull it out. You should be able to see coolant when you take it out.
 
J

jjd975

Founding Member
Jul 17, 2000
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louisville,kentucky
Dec 2, 2003
#6
  • Dec 2, 2003
  • #6
Does your temp gauge work? I would think if that sensor is bad your gauge would show it.
 
J

jerry beach

Founding Member
May 20, 2002
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Ocala,FL
Dec 2, 2003
#7
  • Dec 2, 2003
  • #7
jjd975 said:
Does your temp gauge work? I would think if that sensor is bad your gauge would show it.
Click to expand...


You must have misread what he wrote, judging by your huge post count. He is talking about the ECT sensor, not the temp. guage sending unit on the opposite side of the front of the intake. When the ECT goes bad the engine will not go into closed loop operation. My ECT's ohm out at 30ohms cold and 0 ohms hot. They complete the ciruit for closed loop operation when the engine warms up. Did you get any other codes? You will find the ECT on a steel water pipe on the pass. side front of the intake. As stated coolant will come out. Just have the new one ready and a rag to soak up spills.
 
J

jjd975

Founding Member
Jul 17, 2000
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louisville,kentucky
Dec 2, 2003
#8
  • Dec 2, 2003
  • #8
jerry beach said:
You must have misread what he wrote, judging by your huge post count.
Click to expand...

LOL. Yes I did. I was wondering why someone mentioned it having 2 wires on it. I was thinking mine just has one. LOL. Thanks for seeing that and setting me straight.
 
D

dbizzay

New Member
Apr 14, 2003
88
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0
Surrey
Dec 2, 2003
#9
  • Dec 2, 2003
  • #9
Thanks for all the help guys! Hopefully I dont get coolant on my polished valve covers!!

As far as the thermostat, what temp is the stock one?
 
D

dbizzay

New Member
Apr 14, 2003
88
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Surrey
Dec 7, 2003
#10
  • Dec 7, 2003
  • #10
One more Q, would the ****ty ECT be robbing me of any power? Or would it just be ****ing up my warm starts?
 

cjones

Founding Member
Jul 20, 2002
1,561
0
37
Avondale, AZ
Dec 8, 2003
#11
  • Dec 8, 2003
  • #11
dbizzay said:
One more Q, would the ****ty ECT be robbing me of any power? Or would it just be ****ing up my warm starts?
Click to expand...

it could rob you of power. the computer uses that as well as other sensors for fuel mixture and timing.
 

Michael Yount

Mustang Master
Apr 10, 2002
9,039
6
79
Charlotte, NC
Dec 8, 2003
#12
  • Dec 8, 2003
  • #12
I'd get the ect working, and then see what happens to drivability before I messed with the t'stat. If it still appears to be running to cool, then you can explore the t'stat question.
 
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