Is there another location for the ECT or does my 2008 4.0 engine just not have 2 sensors and should just replace the 1 temp sensor? As with many other threads here, we have an issue in the morning where it sometimes takes 1-10 tries to get the engine to start and stay running. We finally got a CEL with codes P0116 and P0118. I have seen threads and videos to replace the ECT and it's on top of the thermostat housing. I looked at our 2008 4.0 4x4 and I only see the single temp sensor. the spot where I have seen the ECT on youtube vids of Ford Rangers, it just has a black cap. There is a hole on the housing but it's capped off / not being used.

 

2008 4.0l SOHC just has the one ECT sensor on the thermostat housing
Yes, with those two codes I would replace the ECT sensor without testing, just on speculation of it being bad

Yes, it would cause a hard Cold Start because of P0118, this would not allow full Choke Cold Start, but engine should run fine after a few minutes of warm up

Ford dropped the Coolant Temp sender on most vehicles when they went to a full Digital Dash(cluster), in Rangers that was 2004 but not sure they went to the 1 sensor until 2006 or so
The computer sent the ETC Temp to the Clusters Temp Gauge

These sensors have a clip that slides out to remove them, they are not screwed in

 

Thanks. I replaced the ECT and it's now starting normally each morning on the first try.

 

My 2011 4.0 is starting hard. Takes 2, 3 tries. Had it tested and no codes, but he said it had a low temp reading in the thermostat . Going to try a new ECT today.