92 Explorer 4 * 4 Temperature Gauge COLD

[cdnjan]

My Explorer has always ran on the Cool side .. even in 100 degree temps.

Just a few days ago I noticed the gauge is not not budging at all. It is all the way to the coldest side.

The heater is working as it should be.

I would say the vehicle smells a little hot but not really positive, maybe I am just a little paranoid.

I have read here about the sensor possibilty. Just want to confirm location of the sensor and if indeed this does sound like the sensor.

If so how important/easy is it too replace .. how important is its function?

TIA
Jan

 

[geoph1986]

I don't know where the sensor is, but I would say having a working temperature gauge is extremely important. Bad sensor = bad gauge.

 

[cdnjan]

Ty Geoph
I picked up the part $10 Wish me luck on getting it in .. It appears to be a very simple task.
Ty for your advice
Cheers
Jan

Without a book I am little unsure about the need to disconnect the battery and or the need to drain a little of the green stuff?
Any opinions?

 

[geoph1986]

I've changed coolant sensors before, just not on an X. It's pretty simple. Drain your coolant to a level below the sensor, unplug & unscrew the sensor, put new sensor in & plug in. Don't forget to use teflon tape on the new one. I don't think it's mandatory to disconnect the battery, but it's good practice to do so when working with electrical. Good luck, you shouldn't need it though.

 

[cdnjan]

Thanks Geoph
I was anxious to fix it and had to go out soon.
So I went ahead.
Silly thing but was not sure how to drain some fluid off and always afraid of breaking something so i just took a chance and went ahead.
Trickiest part was getting in there with all the hoses in the way.
But I did it and YAY its fixed.
I did use the teflon tape.
Ty so much for your help.
SHop was going to charge $100 for diagnostics then probably 1/2 hr labour so saved $150 I figure I am pretty happy
Cheers
Jan

Have a Great Day.

 

[geoph1986]

Good job, and I'm glad everything went as planned. I assume you temp gauge works now. For the future if you have to drain coolant, there is a drain **** on the bottom of the radiator. Sometimes they are a bit tricky to get to though. But of you can't get at that you can always just pull your lower rad hose. Make sure you have a large enough container to catch the coolant because there will be a lot. Cheers.

 

[cdnjan]

It works excellent .. the first time it began to climb I got a little nervous but thermostat kicked in and dropped it back a notch. The old sensor sure was nasty I expect it was the original. Only a few dribbles of coolant came out the sensor hole so it worked out well.
Thanks again
Cheers
Jan