2008 Ranger, 2.3 engine. Can someone tell me where the temperature sensor is located? I am getting a check engine light and the parts guy suggested I replace it or the thermostat and housing. Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to the forum

Unfortunately its between back of engine and firewall so a pain to get at
Its on a metal pipe that crosses on back side of engine at the top, 2 wires, its the Coolant temp SENDER for dash board gauge only, NOT for the computer so wouldn't set a code or turn on the CEL

CHT(cyclinder head temp) sensor is what the computer uses for engine temp on the 2.3l Duratec engines, it will set a code
It is located on top of engine/valve cover, between spark plugs for cylinder 3 and 4, 2 wire plug in
Need a DEEP socket to remove it
Not an uncommon failing on these engines

What is the code?

And what are the symptoms?

If engine is actually running hot(dash board temp gauge shows hotter) then for sure change thermostat, housing and thermostat are one piece, its on LOWER radiator hose, at engine end
If temp gauge shows normal temp but CODE says hot then just change the CHT sensor for now

 

Thank you very much for your help! I searched high and low for this sensor and couldn't find anything on Utube or anywhere else. I have to buy an extra-deep socket in order to remove it. I really appreciate your reply!

 

The sensor is between cyl 2 and 3, but I presume this was just a typing error.

Any standard deep well socket from an impact set should be deep enough to remove the sensor. Do not be alarmed if the new sensor has a shorter "tip" than the old one. The new sensor is also likely to be aluminum, vs the brass construction of the old component. They interchange with zero issue. Be very careful about how much you tighten it, as it is a fairly delicate sensor TBH.

 

You are right, picture here: https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ran...a1e31fa74a.jpg

Always thought it was between 3 and 4, not a typo

 

I tried a deep impact socket and it was not long enough. I found a 19mm socket at Auto Zone, part number 50-257, and it was just long enough. Not sure why they had to make the sensor so bloody long!
Thank you all!

 

Weird that it wouldn't work. The impact sockets I have must be deeper than the ones you were using.

I am glad you got it all back together

 

Me too! They sure put it in a tough spot to access!

 

Hey sorry to reopen the thread. I have a '06 XL 2.3l and the dash temp sensor isn't working. It doesn't throw any codes so I'm guessing it's the coolant temperature sender from what I've read. I know where the CHT is (speaking of which, what size is the bolt head if I do have to remove it?), but I'm struggling to find the temperature sender for the dash. Any help and especially pictures would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, 2006 still has a Temp Sender, it was dropped in 2007, just FYI

Its behind the head on a metal coolant line, 2 wire sender
Passenger side, locate metal coolant line running by the head, it makes a 90deg turn to drivers side and just after the bend is the sender, this is NOT a sensor, its a sender
Sensors are 5volts
Senders are 12volts

Connector can be hard to release, just need small hands, lol
3/4" deep socket with wobble/universal should fit

If you want to test wires/gauge first, then pull off connector and put a jumper wire in the connector to connect the two wires
Turn on the key(engine off) and Temp Gauge should go up to HOT right way, if so wires and gauge are good

 

Thank you greatly. That helps a ton. I'm happy to know it still exists and I'm looking in the right spot. I'm not sure which metal pipe you're referring to, could you point to it on one of the pictures I've attached? Thanks.

 

Found this picture if the 2.3l Duratec on an engine stand, so looking at the back of the engine: https://www.therangerstation.com/for...-38-jpg.76797/

Cast metal part, size of radiator hose, you can see the tan"ish" connector on the temp sender

Another picture here: https://www.therangerstation.com/for...-34-jpg.76798/

Follow your radiator hose back to rear of the engine

2.3l Duratec is a Mazda L engine designed for FWD cars, so meant to be mounted sideways, which makes these cooling system parts easier to access, in a Ranger RWD not so much, lol

 

Thanks Ron, after breaking 2 senders trying to screw it in, I found out the part I bought has slightly offset electrical connections, despite FordParts.com saying it would fit this exact truck. I'm curious what parts catalog you guys use, because I also had trouble when I replaced the output shaft speed sensor on my automatic with a part # I got from FordParts.com (it wouldn't register below 20mph and would throw a code).

I bought a Motorcraft SW5174 from this search: Search Catalog Results for parts.ford.com . This nib at the bottom didn't line up so I'm going to try shaving it down. I'm just frustrated because I use Partzilla for motorcycle parts and it's spot on every time, but FordParts just seems to let me down and I want to find a good reliable catalog.

 

Hi- I have the same truck and 2.3l…and my dash gauge is not working either. What part did you end up using? I plan on tackling this soon. I am still restoring the truck back to a point where it is reasonable maintainable…there is sooo much rust everywhere. Haha.