Factory Oil Temperature Sensor?

[matthinckley]

Hello Everyone.

I have a '97 Limited Exp and my message center says OIL TEMP SIGNAL ERROR during the system check. The manual says this is because the connection to the oil temperature sensor is open circuit or shorted.

Can anyone tell me where the oil temperature sensor is?

I searched a lot and could only find discussions on where to install a sensor for an aftermarket gauge, nothing on where the factory one is.

Thanks

Matt

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Well, which motor do you have

-Drew

 

[matthinckley]

lol yeah I have the 5 liter.. sorry I don't know why I forgot to mention that

Thanks

Matt

 

[mgreen6712]

I have a 2000 explorer with a 4.0 sohc. Anyone know where the oil temp sensor is? I need to check it, but not sure where it is exactly. Thanks.

 

[Hybred]

Reviving a dead thread here. Someone should know where this oil temp sensor is by now. Searching the whole internet I can't find it.
Just replaced my engine and now I have this error, same as the other guy's thread.

Thanks for any help.

 

[2000StreetRod]

in the oil pan

I think there is an oil level sensor and an oil temperature sensor in the oil pan.

 

[Hybred]

I only have 1 sensor in the oil pan. I suppose it is possible that it does both functions since it has 2 wires going to it. My replacement engine didn't have that sensor, so I re-used my oil pan and complete wiring harness.

I am also not totally convinced that it is an engine sensor. Maybe it is on the trans?

 

[2000StreetRod]

switch and sensor

I found the circuit for them in my 2000 Explorer/Mountaineer wiring diagrams. The switch detects oil level low and routes the data to the message center via a white/pink stripe wire. The sensor detects oil temperature and routes the data to the message center via a dark green/white stripe wire. In order for the sensor to work a black/white stripe wire must be connected to chassis ground. The switch is grounded by its mount.

 

[Hybred]

I know this thread is old, but in case anyone comes across it in the future I have a definitive answer.

The sensor responsible for the message center error "OIL TEMP SIGNAL ERROR" is in the oil pan. It is a dual sensor, it measures temperature and oil level. It is VERY expensive, and hard to find.

Additionally, only trucks that have the message center will have this sensor, others will have a boss in the oil pan that has not been drilled or tapped.

Lastly, if this sensor is faulty and you get the above error, it will also say that your oil level is fine by default. You could be completely empty and you won't get the warning.