Temp sending unit?

[orange_exploder]

Hi guys, I'm new to the board and have a quick question. I have a 2001 Explorer Sport 4X4 with 42,000 miles.

I'm having a problem were the temp gauge goes up to the red line and then the check gauges light come on. After the light comes on the gauge starts going up and down and the light will go on and off. The engine does not seem to be getting hot and the truck seems to sound and run normally. I think its the temp sending unit but I'm not sure.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Sorry, I already posted it in another thread by mistake. Please answer this thread.

 

[410Fortune]

The coolant tempature sending unit is located in the lower intake manifold on the front of the engine, it has a single wire going to it.

What engine does your 01 Sport have?
4.0L OHV or 4.0L SOHC

Not sure that it matters much for this thread but it is always useful to post that information.

You have a few choices here, I would first check the cooling system to make sure it is operating properly even though you said it seems to not be overheating.

fluid level, check/replace the thermostat.
check the radiator cap, check the wire to the temp sensor, etc.

Ford gages are not always known for being super accurate, and the temp gage has had problems over the years so it is possible your gage, or voltage regulator for the instrument panel is toast.

Do you have issues with any other lights or gages?

OH and you can delete your multiple posts yourself, just open the thread, choose edit, then delete and submit.

 

[orange_exploder]

The coolant tempature sending unit is located in the lower intake manifold on the front of the engine, it has a single wire going to it.

What engine does your 01 Sport have?
4.0L OHV or 4.0L SOHC

Not sure that it matters much for this thread but it is always useful to post that information.

You have a few choices here, I would first check the cooling system to make sure it is operating properly even though you said it seems to not be overheating.

fluid level, check/replace the thermostat.
check the radiator cap, check the wire to the temp sensor, etc.

Ford gages are not always known for being super accurate, and the temp gage has had problems over the years so it is possible your gage, or voltage regulator for the instrument panel is toast.

Do you have issues with any other lights or gages?

OH and you can delete your multiple posts yourself, just open the thread, choose edit, then delete and submit.

Ok, thanks. I've checked the T-stat and the water pump and fluid levels. I have had problems with the ABS light coming on and going off periodically. Right before this started happening I replaced the front rotors and pads so my initial thoughts were that one of the pads was hanging up and causing the engine to overheat because it was over worked, but the brakes seem to be fine. If its the gauge do i need to replace the whole gauge cluster? Also, how do i check the voltage regulator for the instruments?

 

[marragtop]

How did you check the T-stat? Did you actually replace it?

 

[orange_exploder]

How did you check the T-stat? Did you actually replace it?

It wasn't taking long to heat up so I figured it wasn't stuck open, and the upper rad hose was hot so it wasn't stuck closed.

I did fix the problem by replacing the temp sending unit. Thanks for everyones help.