This is a generic question but FYI my new-to-me rig is a 2003 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L DOHC (235K miles), and the busted bit of plastic is on the housing for my cylinder head temperature sensor, in the middle of the valve cover.


So..... when some sensor works great, but the plastic tabby thingies that hold the electric lead to the sensor are busted.... does anyone have a good workaround? It would be nice if it comes apart when you want it to.

I thought about soldering some leads to the senor, and adding some inline connectors but would rather find a way to hold the lead's original plug in place.

 

I glued the two sides of the plastic housing together with RTV. We'll see how it goes

 

Many of the connectors are available as replacement repair parts.

Here is a example you will have to check to see if this is what you need.

Or search parts stores like Rockauto, Partsgeek etc to find what you need.

1983-1998, 2001-2003 Ford Ranger Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Connector - Engine Electrical - Standard Motor Products 83-98, 01-03 Ranger Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Connector - 5511-05063527 - PartsGeek

 

Thanks, but the bit is integral to the "cylinder head temperature sensor" itself (the thing in the valve cover between the spark plugs. Besides the 20-40 dollar cost is the wait on delivery. I already had the RTV and what the hell? Weren't we just talking about the "awwwww, its good ennufffff...." attitude?

 

I guess I did not read your post correctly.

Why not just fix it correctly and install a new sensor?

It cant be that expensive.

 

"Perfection is the enemy of 'good enough'". Of course, the problem is knowing when "good enough" is good enough or just an excuse. Besides, I want to retire rich-rich-rich (and lean lean lean), and every nickel counts.... plus, time and delay are money and I would have had to wait for the part to arrive. The rubber dust cap helps stabilize the connector wires in place and resists up/down movement... so the RTV's only job is to keep a vertical part seated in the upward-facing cup-like connector. If it pops out to cause problems, I'll follow up here with a pic of me eating my hat. http://www.instructables.com/id/Fixi...cal-Connector/

 

Penny wise dollar foolish.

 

Depends on how many pennies you have to start with, the rate of return if you put them to work doing something else, cost of lost opportunity due to delay, etc. Your mileage may vary, and I daresay the glued plug is likely to stay together longer than some of the others, which are getting brittle as they age. But I do appreciate the tips and suggestions, thanks.

 

Are you talking about the connector itself on the sensor or the harness connector?

I believe mine broke. I bought the harness connector for I think like $5 on amazon and bought a new temp sensor which was $25 or so. Clipped the connector and soldered the new one on, and replaced the sensor. Total time spent was probably 25 minutes and it's been fine for 4 years now... if $30 is gonna break the bank for ya then you should look at a different vehicle. Fix it right the first time and not have to worry about it later one which will more than likely cost you more time and money.

-Nigel

 

Yeah who needs a reliable temperature sensor, when replacement engines are so cheap.