Proper ECT sensor *Update 5/8/11* More issues.

[BruhBrahBrad]

My car needs an ECT sensor badly...I'm sure its the cause of my driveability issues and bad mileage. I put the car on the scantool, and after being driven all day the car was only 115 degrees according to the sensor, and still in open loop.

Which one is the proper one to buy?

 

[toyman]

Re: Proper ECT sensor

There is only 1 ECT sensor. It's the one on the top of the T-stat housing.

 

[BruhBrahBrad]

Re: Proper ECT sensor

but theres different brands. Im wondering which one is proper.

 

[toyman]

Re: Proper ECT sensor

Motorcraft? But who cares so long as it's the correct replacement unit. It's a pretty basic item.

 

[BruhBrahBrad]

Re: Proper ECT sensor

Well I've replaced it once before and it still didnt function properly.

 

[toyman]

Re: Proper ECT sensor

Then maybe you have a break/bad connection in the wiring between the sensor and the PCM. Brand really shouldn't matter.

 

[CoD_50callongshotz]

Re: Proper ECT sensor

if you want to be 100% sure you get the correct sensor then go to your local ford dealer and get it. aftermarket makes the same sensors but sometimes they dont hold there standards and tolerances as high as the dealer or the company that made the sensor for ford. your choice

 

[BruhBrahBrad]

Re: Proper ECT sensor

So I replaced it with a BWD sensor, and ever since, I have been dealing with a surging idle, hanging rpms between shifts and slightly worse gas mileage...I think its safe to say, not all sensors are the same. The only thing this one does right, is allows the fan to come on. The old one didnt...

Anyways, so I was wondering if maybe it was the IAC sensor needing cleaning, so I cleaned it, and the idle got worse...the car will not Idle below 1500rpms most times, and it hangs at 2000rpms.

Im lost as to what is going on.

 

[toyman]

There is no connection between the ECT sensor and an idle issue. The IAC probably needs to be replaced, especially if it's likely an original part now 16 years old. Besides cleaning the air passage there is nothing that cleaning will do that affects the IAC operation. A lazy electrical part is just that. Oh, and the IAC is not a sensor. It's a solenoid controlled valve that adjusts the air flow when the throttle is in the closed position..