96 GT runs hot

Leo 5.0

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I've read about the TSB, and aside from the discontinued Ford Fix(overpriced, and only in southern states)

What is a sure fix to this?
I've been offered a 96 248A

But even here in the winter, it is running M, which was 200+ right?

If this is a relatively easy correction please tell me.
If it isn't then I will pass on the car.
 

8111870

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Thats normal. If you want to really know the temperature get an aftermarket gauge. Stock ones are really vague. As long as its not pegged on the "L", it should be fine. You can always get a better rad down the line.
 

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There are a few decent priced aftermarket rads you can get. Could try a different Tstat and make sure the air path is clear and the spoiler under the front that pulls air up is in tact.
 
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Leo 5.0

Leo 5.0

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Well there was no coolant smell, no bubbling sound.

So basically it's running fine as far as a 96 goes?
 

CC'S95GT

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Get a real gage on it. or at least a laser thermometer and point it at the upper rad hose or radiator.
The gages in the SN's are just a fraction better than an idiot light. N O R M A L has no coralation to an actual temp. Mine might be 200* on M and yours might be 200* on A.
The needle could be off, the sensor could be faulty. Get a real gage and know for sure.
Are the fans coming on when they're supposed to?
 
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Leo 5.0

Leo 5.0

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I will update later today, I will give it one last lookover and see how it goes.
The lowspeed fan kicks in when the A/C is turned on yes? Otherwise when it reaches temp?

I will check for the dam, I know they are cheap if not.
Worst case I have been all over the net, a full upgrade(big rad, new sensors, new fan, stat, is just north of 600) And he is offering 500 on top of the trade. So $130 for a new and upgraded setup. Assuming anything is actually wrong.

I am heading over at 9. But I may make the swap. The detail guys still haven't even started on mine yet, and don't work weekends, so it's just sitting outside.
 

CC'S95GT

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The hi speed fan is supposed to come on with the a/c. Low speed only come when needed for temp.
Not sure on the 4.6's but when I pull codes on my 5.0 I hear the low speed fan for a couple seconds followed by the hi speed fan for a couple seconds.
 
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Leo 5.0

Leo 5.0

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I know the high works, I unplugged the sensor, and watched it.
Guess tomorrow I'll do the other checks.
I know my tuner will run codes even for unmarried vehicles.
Give that a shot too.
The general consensus I got was if it isn't actually overheating, it probably isn't anything to worry about.

But it is an 18 year old car, things go bad over time.
So I will give that all a check.
 

CC'S95GT

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Your tuner can change the set points the fans actually come on if your that worried about it.
 
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Leo 5.0

Leo 5.0

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I thought it had to be married?

It's for my 05.
All I know is I used to use it at work and pull codes for people haha
 
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Leo 5.0

Leo 5.0

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yeah I thought so.

But it works for pulling and clearing. That's good for now.

Just now I think I know what is wrong now to diagnose.
No low speed fan. Doesn't engage when idling to temp, or with a/c or defroster.
Hi speed works when I unplug the temp sensor, and even runs low for a second then flips to high.

On a good note, it isn't overheating, just running really warm.
Just drove around for 30 mins, traffic, and a long back road up to 6k
Continued driving and just checked when I got home, no leaks, no coolant loss, it isn't bubbling, but there is a slight smell of warm coolant, but again no leaks, drop in level, or bubbling, but it's hot.
 
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Leo 5.0

Leo 5.0

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Didn't check voltage as I don't have anything to check it, and didn't think to when I went to the city.

So I am posting to see where to start looking, sensors are cheap. I have the ECM sensor, the guage sensor I pick up tomorrow.
I will also be getting a new resistor. They carry reman CCRMs just in case I need one, but I am not there yet I hope.

Worst case I will just replace all of it when I do my upgrades, new radiator, fan, and all that. I have a budget just for initial restoration and fixes of things so it's really not an issue of wasting money.

But regardless I would like to learn how to fix/diagnose.
 

CC'S95GT

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why replace something that isn't broken?
If the low speed fan isn't coming on then you either have a bad fan motor (hi works/low doesn't), the connector at the fan is melted and not making good contact, or the CCRM isn't sending signal to the low speed.
To do anymore diagnostics you really to need a volt/ohm meter.
 
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Leo 5.0

Leo 5.0

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OK I was wondering about that.
When I unplug the sensor, it will go low for a brief moment, then kicks to high.
There is a difference. So right now we are thinking CCRM or the relay, which would be the resistor(under the P/S dash?)
And as for why, well it's 18 years old and it is cheap insurance.
But I wanted advice on diagnosing.
 
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Leo 5.0

Leo 5.0

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As for contact, I tinkered with the actual fan harness, unpinned and looked, still good, not appearing fried, and it was solid before and after I reconnected it.
 

CC'S95GT

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As for contact, I tinkered with the actual fan harness, unpinned and looked, still good, not appearing fried, and it was solid before and after I reconnected it.
You can test the fan directly just by running a couple of jumper wires from the fan to the battery. As you saw when you inplugges the connector, there are 3 wires. 1 ground, 1 low speed, 1 hi speed. The gnd is usually black and connects to the neg. side of the battery.
 
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Leo 5.0

Leo 5.0

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Ok, I did the check, my low speed fan itself will work.
So that means wiring is good no?

What does that leave?
CCRM or Resistor?
Or am I completely off grounds?

Thanks for the help thusfar.

I am going to do another test...and see if either fan actually kicks on at all.
I know they work, unplugging it kicks low then high on, so there must be a reason it doesn't.
 

CC'S95GT

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I would think the CCRM would be the next thing to look at.
I had the A/C relay in the CCRM go out on me before.
 
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Leo 5.0

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A/C will make the Hi Speed run.

That is the only certain I have right now.
 

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