I want to install new thermostat on my 2002 Ranger 2.3L which has the 208 degree sensor thermostat. I find that there is another thermostat available without the sensor and I looked at each in a parts store. Other than wiring clip connector for sensor and BIG price difference, they look the same. I was wondering; what would happen if I replace the current thermostat with sensor for the one w/o sensor ?

 

2002 will have the Duratec DOHC 2.3l engine
They use a heated thermostat to control and monitor coolant temp.

You need to replace it with same unit or computer will leave CEL(check engine light) on all the time, not a big deal unless you end up stranded on the side of the road because a "new" problem occurred but CEL was already on so you got no warning.
It could also cause computer to run in "safe" mode if coolant system can't be relied on.

Look around, prices vary for this part.

 

I installed a non-electric thermostat in my 2003 about a month ago. I went with a 2006 Motorcraft 195*. So far so good. There have been no problems with the truck at all. The temps did drop by a few degrees but nothing major. I now run about 208*-212* ECT and about 241*-245* CHT solidly. There are a few others on this forum or maybe it's another Ranger forum that have been running without an E-thermostat for a year or two with no issues.

For the moment I have left my old thermostat connected and zip tied up and out of the way. But, I have purchased a 1500ohm chassis resistor to wire in to take the place of the old thermostat. This way it won't trip the CEL. I'm just trying to figure out how I can make the resistor plug-n-play with the existing harness so if I do decide to go back to the E-Thermostat I easily can.

DISCLAIMER: You do this at your own risk. I use my truck for the occasional dump run and hauling stuff for people. The speed limits around here are 55 mph so I've never had it up to 70 or 80 mph. And I have never towed with it. But for the light loads and trips to the dump it's not had a single issue that could be related to running a non-electric thermostat. If this were my daily driver or my bread and butter then I would have stuck with the E-thermostat.

 

Thanks for the info. It sounds like a novice, like me, should stick with the original stuff and quit thinking of saving bucks.