Coolant Temp Sensor

[sfbayjay]

2002 XLT 4.0 V6

Shopping for a new coolant temp sensor to install at thermostat housing. Online retailers show some that are threaded and some that are press-in type, both of which say "exact fit" for my year and model. Nice.

1. Anyone know which type is correct (before I remove mine)?

Here's one (press-in): http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bwd-engine-coolant-temperature-sensor-wt5067/15970002-P

And here's another (threaded): http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bwd-engine-coolant-temperature-sensor-wt5053/18480729-P

2. Also - is it necessary to drain coolant from system before replacing this sensor? Seems like maybe not so much, since sensor/housing are near top of cooling system - maybe only a partial drain needed, enough to drop the fluid level a bit in the upper hose and rad. Hmmm...

Thoughts?

 

[Exproblems]

2002 XLT 4.0 V6

Shopping for a new coolant temp sensor to install at thermostat housing. Online retailers show some that are threaded and some that are press-in type, both of which say "exact fit" for my year and model. Nice.

1. Anyone know which type is correct (before I remove mine)?


2. Also - is it necessary to drain coolant from system before replacing this sensor? Seems like maybe not so much, since sensor/housing are near top of cooling system - maybe only a partial drain needed, enough to drop the fluid level a bit in the upper hose and rad. Hmmm...

Thoughts?

The "press in" type sensor is the one you need as long as you see a metal retaining clip slipped around the old one on your current t-stat housing sensor. The retaining clip keeps the press in sensor from popping back out of the sensor port hole. The BWD sensor will work fine, I bought one for my Ex last May 2013 when I changed out my t-stat housing and had no problems with it. Just get the correct sensor temp range for your year Explorer and engine specs. Wet the new sensor O-ring with fresh coolant prior to seating it in the sensor port on the t-stat housing. It takes a little force to seat the temp sensor, so don't push down on the plastic wire harness plug on the sensor. Try pushing down on the metal part of the new sensor. Once seated, install the retaining clip and hook up the wiring harness.
On draining enough coolant to do that repair, approx.: 1 gallon drained should be enough to lower the coolant level in the system to where you won't lose any coolant when you take the old sensor out.

 

[swshawaii]

Or use the OEM replacement ECT sensor that is designed for your engine and guaranteed to fit and seal. (Motorcraft DY1269)

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=4332630&cc=1377660

 

[sfbayjay]

Coolant Temperature Sensor and Thermostat Replacement

Thanks for the replies. I did this repair over the weekend along with new thermostat. I went with aftermarket parts from Advanced Auto. The BWD ECT (BWD part no WT5067) sensor o-ring was a bit snug, but sealed up tight and seems to be working just fine.

Also replaced thermostat (Stant 13649) and thermostat o-ring (required! - Felpro 35617).

I think my old t-stat was stuck open, causing CEL and code P0125, engine running at lower-than-normal temp.

Figured as long as I was in there, I'd change the ECT sensor, just in case it was bad.

All is well now. Drained about 1.75 gallons of coolant in total from drain port near base of radiator - took a LONG time to drain. Was doing front brakes, too, so I had time to wait.

Thanks again - hope this info helps someone.