How to Replace Coolant Temperature Sensor 2002-2005 Ford Explorer

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This video shows you how to install a coolant temperature sensor on your 2002-2005 Ford Explorer. The coolant temperature sensor sends important information to your vehicle’s computer to manage the efficiency and safety of your vehicle’s engine. A failed sensor could cause damage or overheating.

This repair was done on a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L Sport Utility 4-Door and the process should be similar on the following vehicles:
2002 Ford Explorer
2003 Ford Explorer
2004 Ford Explorer
2005 Ford Explorer

Tools you will need:
• Dielectric Grease
• Drain Pan

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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While TRQ strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. TRQ is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

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[alexhenkel]

Your videos are very helpful, thanks. Just one comment, it would be great if you could show a distant shot of the location of the sensor, it would make a great deal of difference.
Thanks

[royscott]

I like the fact that the videos are very clear, but however, you never start from the top of the engine just showing directly how to get to the part so that we can know where to find it at and fix it

[allanjordan]

Changed the sensor but temp gauge still not moving

[jbarachi]

I love TRQ Video's and parts but DO NOT USE A SCREW DRIVER TO PRY THAT PIN OUT. It's spring loaded... I used a screw driver as shown in the video and the clip shot out like a rocket. I spent 10 minutes fishing it out of a crevice in the engine bay. I'm lucky that I found where it landed. I would use needle nose pliers to firmly hold the clip and pull it out. Be careful putting it back on so it doesn't slip out of your fingers. You don't have to drain the coolant, but in my case, the coolant leaked out after I removed the temp sensor - so that required clean up.

[williamvaughn]

I have a 2004 explorer and don't get much heat it seems I can't get all the air out of the system. I can pull off a heater hose and no coolant comes out, I have flushed the system but still no heat. how is the best way to purge the air from the system?

[JvyTe]

Can I just hold the coolant in and change the sensor quickly without draining all the coolant?

[johneagle]

where is it located on a 03 f150 4.6l, some one said it was above no. 5 piston down in the valley, all i found was the cylinder head temp sensor. plus I can't find any pictures where it's a 03 f150 4.6l showing exact location...

[choadcityusa]

After ect, thermostat and housing replaced temp gauge doesnt work. It moves about a 1/4 inch when i turn the key to accessory and drops right back down. If the temp gauge had a short would it move at all on accessory? It stays cold the whole time even after a 30 min drive. Mechanic did it all and said it will cost 400 bucks to put in a new cluster. I think they fried it. How would only the temp gauge short out? Tried resetting it too

[JoseMedina-mhqw]

Bueno tengo una pregunta. La mia me da el codigo p0180 y quisiera saber donde esta ese sensor. Por que dice que es el fuel temperature sensol.

[icemule]

Do you really need to drain all the fluid to replace that part?

[bobbyhogge]

Do you know we're my coolant temperature sensor is f150 5, 4L triton 3v

[Madsonhilarindo]

My car has 2 sensors and it seems to be the same

[BazookaMoose]

Dude, people need more directions and wider angle views to find locations of items in the vehicle. My Escape looks nothing like this.

[TACOOP-quun]

All this and it still costs over $600 at a shop? 😂😂