Message center "check engine temp"

[bobflood]

Does anyone know where the temp sensor is for the message center?

The message center gets it engine temp info from the same sensor that runs the temp guage on the insturment panel. That temp sensor has one red/white wire; the temp sensor for the ECU has two wires.

 

[swshawaii]

If by chance it's threaded, be very careful unscrewing it.
These plastic housings are notorious for breaking the brass
sensor inserts, and the OEM part is expensive to replace.

EDIT- Sorry, I keep forgetting you have the 5.0 that's in your title.

 

[99Merc5.0]

Bobflood- if it's the same sensor then I'm concerned because the gauge in the dash is showing normal temps but the message center is popping that error message

 

[Turdle]

Sounds like a bad connection-open circuit to the Message center wiring . I would start with disconnecting and re connecting the connector plugs under the center console.

Then if this doesn't work, hunt for the pinched wire.


If the Coolant sensor for the PCM was the issue, then you'd certainly have an overheat code stored in the PCM, with a "check engine light" displayed while driving.

 

[CDW6212R]

Find and check the sensor value which the message center is receiving. If you can determine that the proper signal value is being sent to the MC, then the problem is in the MC itself.

Most electronic devices in vehicles will develop bad internal components with age.

I've learned about that concerning several items in all 1985-1992 Mark VII's. The radios, message center, EATC, and overhead console(compass), they all develop bad capacitors, and can be rebuilt. There is a well know member of the Mark VII forum who rebuilds those devices.

I would bet that many Explorer owners are beginning to experience problems with the same items in their trucks.

That symptom of having the message center beep at you each time you turn on the key, I've had that happen in my LSC every time for about three years. I just found out about the answer last year, the guy I mentioned charges about $100 for each of those mentioned items. I expect that there are lots of places which can rebuild the message center.

With age they all will likely develop the same problems. I have an AC issue in my 98 that may well be the EATC unit. Regards,

 

[99Merc5.0]

Thanks for all the info. I'll take out the message center and hopefully that will reset the code. If that doesn't work I'd gladly pay 100 bucks to have it not beep at me every few minutes. Thank you

I'll update once I get the message center all pulled apart and reset. Fingers crossed