Just replaced the thermostat housing,cover and sensors......as well as both push-in temp senders...

My temperature gauge is dead....

I'm guessing that I may have bought the wrong senders?

Are they specific to a gauge vs warning light....and are both the same?

Any input is appreciated...

 

They're are a different shape at the bottom.

The senders (for the Gauge) are generally conical, while the sensors are cylindrical. (not always though)

To test you dash temp gauge, simply ground the single wire while the key is on the "RUN" position.
If the gauge is working properly, it will go all the way to "HOT"
Don't leave it connected this way for too long, having a buddy helps with this.

2003 FORD RANGER 4.0L V6 Temperature Sender / Sensor | RockAuto

 

Ok,thanks...

Are both senders identical?

 

They are, and the threads and plugs are the same.
If in doubt, Google the make and part number of the one you're not sure of.
It will list it and it should tell you in that listing which one it is.

Sender or sensor...

Even at the Rock Auto web site, you really have to look at the print to see which is which.

if you already have it installed, look at packaging, it should say on there.

 

OK......back on this project again...

I did purchase parts from Rock Auto.....and BOTH sensor boxes are marked Standard TX 104.

I pulled the connector off of the one on the right (pass. side) and it appears that the profile of the new sensor (connector end) does not match the one I took out.......It obviously fit....but didn't completely engage...

We plugged the old sender into the harness plug.....and temperature gauge now has movement.

SO.....I guess the sensors I bought were wrong..

Now why do we need two senders...if the values are the same?...I'm curious.

 

Can't answer your question.
I can only guess that the PCM and the gauge work differently and need two different units.

I think the main problem is the way RockAuto groups them altogether; that, and it sounds like they're labelled wrong too.

 

Ok......Went to Lordco......and after about a 1/2 hour......we figured it out...

I asked them for the correct sensors for my year and engine.......and they came up with exactly I had already.....

Another 10 minutes in the books and no answers.......

We found a stamped #.......on the brass hex......and crossed it over to a BWD #....which they had in stock......

So I have a working temp gauge......and my hat is OFF to the gang at Lordco...

 

They have different names
Sensor is for the computer
SENDER is for the gauge

People use the words interchangeably but they are listed separately as a sensor and a sender in parts books and wiring digrams

So for future reference request a SENDER and stress that to the parts guy, S E N D E R
Because they will look up sensor every time


And yes, ends/tips are different
Cone shape is a sensor: http://www.fuelinjectedford.com/images/ect.jpg
Cylinder is a sender: http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/330917...-1/s-l1000.jpg