Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Coolant Temperature Sensor (Read 1891 times) previous topic - next topic

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Where is the Coolant Temperature Sensor on an 87 5.0? I was told to replace it. Thanks

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #1 –
Lower intake manifold, driver side twards the front IIRC

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #2 –
Almost, it's on the passenger side.

I'd grab a pic for you but I'm currently 4 hours from getting home.

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #3 –
Almost, it's on the passenger side.
It's mounted in that black tube that runs the length of the lower intake manifold.

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #4 –
Is this it next to the distributor?



Also I noticed this little connector nearby just sitting on the valve cover. I assume that this should be plugged into something. Any ideas?

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #5 –
Ok never mind then, that is on the drivers side, so I don't know what that is. So I assume this must be it then?



Also any info on that plug would be nice!

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #6 –
The last picture on the black tube is the ECT.
I'm assuming you have a full digital dash?

That small connector you see disconnected is the temperature sensor line that runs to the instrument cluster. If you have a full digital dash, the sensor/sender is different and uses a different connector. Therefore Ford just left the line dangle free.

That engine compartment looks pretty darn clean by the way. :D

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #7 –
Yes I do have a digital dash. I was making sure that connector wasn't something vital. The Temperature gauge works fine so I guess that isn't it. I am just checking to see if that was related to the car running like , or heck if it was related to my dash lights turning off when I turn the headlights on.

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #8 –
Well the ECT could still be the culprit. The Temperature sensor/sender and the ECT operate independently of each other.

The ECT sends information to the computer of the car which then tells the rest of the car how to run. So if it isn't functioning, the car will run like .

The Temperature sender/sensor simply sends how hot or cold the car is running to the instrument cluster. It will have no effect on the cars performance.

As for the dash lights, I've never had that problem. Sorry I can't give you any help on that but there are some members here that can.

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #9 –
The dashlights are turning off because you have a blown fuse in the fuse panel under your dash.  check your owners manual for which one it is and replace it I can't remember if it's 15 amps or 5 but that should do it.
1987 Tbird 5.0 swap, go fast mods coming soon....

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #10 –
I checked all the fuses that are related to the dash issue and all are fine. So I am stumped.

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Axlehead;173490
Ok I changed the coolant temp sensor and now I have no lean codes. But I am throwing a code 21, which is Coolant Temp Sensor out of range. What the hell?!? This is the replacement I used.

http://www.partsamerica.com/productdetail.aspx?MfrCode=NIE&MfrPartNumber=TS25661&PartType=290&PTSet=A

If the engine isn't warmed up, it WILL throw a code 21... Otherwise you likely have a wiring or EEC issue...

I have a feeling we're going to start seeing more computer issues, now that these cars are all nearly 20 years old... How many of you are still using anything else electronic that is that old???

I am, but I'll bet I'm an exception... Hell I have a old 1939 Silvertone(Sears) radio I use every day...

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #13 –
It would be helpful if you would identify the source of the codes.
KOEO 
CM
KOER

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Reply #14 –
Ok it was throwing the code while it was running. It isn't throwing it anymore, but code 91 is back again. I don't know where to go from here.