[alatchaw]

Hey guys,

Quick thanks to these forums for helping me troubleshoot a few issues here and there.

Here is my issue, I've changed out my temp radiator coolant temp sensor several times over the last couple years.
I can't tell you when exactly but the temperature gauge inside the car began to always read at cold.
I've also just waited for the car to reach temp but still no kick on.
The only way I can keep the fan going is by leaving the temp sensor unplugged.

I've replaced the sensor recently (maybe need to try again? How unlucky can I be?) and still no change inside the car or with the fan kicking on.
I added some di-electric grease to the ccrm just thinking it was dried up but still no love.

Before I go buy another sensor, wire harness or CCRM any recommendation on how to troubleshoot to the exact problem?

Thanks for any insight you guys can lend.

 

[pextor]

There are actually two sensors, one is for the gauge and one is for the computer. I believe the computer one is the one on top and the one for the gauge is the one on the bottom.

 

[bent_rod]

The gauge sensor could be at fault or a bad connection/wire problem.
Before spending a lot of money on parts you need to make sure all the ground connections are good and clean. Check the small ground wires that connect in the "black box" connector at the ground lug on the battery. Connections should be clean and connectors tight.

 

[alatchaw]

There are actually two sensors, one is for the gauge and one is for the computer. I believe the computer one is the one on top and the one for the gauge is the one on the bottom.

Wow, I completely missed that and didn't see anything in the Haynes about it, thanks!
So I unplugged the other and plugged it back in and now it is reading all the way hot in the car.

Also, are the gauge sensor and coolant sensors the same and interchangeable?

Thanks so much for the help!

Just for my reference, what is the typical time for the fan to come on if the sensor is reading correctly? (I know it's around 220 F)

 

[alatchaw]

The gauge sensor could be at fault or a bad connection/wire problem.
Before spending a lot of money on parts you need to make sure all the ground connections are good and clean. Check the small ground wires that connect in the "black box" connector at the ground lug on the battery. Connections should be clean and connectors tight.

Interesting, so I just replaced the power steering pump and in the process removed and reattached the engine ground. I'll check that spot as well as the connection on the battery. Thanks for the tip.

 

[pextor]

unfortunately the sensors are different.

 

[alatchaw]

unfortunately the sensors are different.

Any idea where to buy a new one? I can't seem to find anything online as everything redirects to coolant sensor rather than gauge sensor (even though they are doing the same thing).

Also an update, no more stall issues ATM, seems there was a bad ground somewhere causing the hot read and now I'm back to cold all the time and have had no stall since.

 

[pextor]

one is referred to as a "switch"

 

[4cylinder]

the last time i had to buy one of these was at Orly's. keep in mind if you have a 98 or early 99 that there are two versions for this sensor. One of them has a very large threaded portion and has a pointed tip. The other has a smaller threaded portion and a flat tip on it. The 99+ versions are all the same clip in style sensors. These are very hard to find if you are looking up the escort or the ZX2. instead, you should be looking up the part for a contour of the same year. The contour/mystique used the same thermostat housing