Temp gauge issues

[Racingtheburg]

I have a 97 SOHC 4.0l explorer and the temp gauge is way off and always hot or way past hot. Anyway to reset it? Anyone else ever had this issue?>

Thanks

 

[BubbaFL]

Yep, common problem. Mine went nuts and was pinned at hot (even with the engine cold).

A bad temperature sender is the most likely culprit.

I was trying to fix mine today, and found that the sender is seized to the brass bushing - time for a new thermostat housing.

I ordered parts from RockAuto to upgrade to the 2002 sport trac housing - see this thread for more information http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239493&highlight=JOEZ33

 

[Racingtheburg]

My back thermostat bolt stuck into the brass nut and wouldnt come out but then the whole brass part came out with my housing. I just gorrila glued the brass part back and its holding strong

So its the sensor being waked out? If I get a new sensor will the gauge re set?

 

[BubbaFL]

Try disconnecting the wire from the sender, and turn the key on - if the gauge reads cold, you know it's the sensor. If not, could be a short somewhere or bad gauge.