I have a 98 contour with 2.0L zetec that used to run around M to A on the "NORMAL" on the temp gauge. When it hit A, the electric fans usually kicked on. Then the gauge worked intermittently, then not at all. I left it be (lazy), but it has recently got colder here, and the heat did not seem all that great, and finally got a CEL, and after reading the code (not reaching proper temp), figured it was the thermostat as that is exactly what happened with my wifes 2000 ZX2 with a zetec that had only 20K on it.
So, I figured while replacing the thermostat, I should replace the temp gauge sensor. Autozone sold me one (don't remember brand, but not motorcraft), installed it and wanted to see if it worked, and sure enough it did, but took no time at all to reach RED. The heat coming out of the vents did not seem all that good, same as the previous week. I then replaced the thermostat, and tried it again. Again the gauge went to hot pretty quick (but not instantly). It seems the fans are not coming on unless I turn the a/c on, so either they stopped working, or the sensor is not sending the correct signal to the gauge. I am to affraid to let the car run too long as it possible could be way too hot. Car does now put out good heat, unlike before.
I have ordered a motorcraft sensor but it will take a week to get it. So as I see it, it could be one of three things.
1. Sensor not reading correctly, fix replace it.
2. Bad water pump (but would I not be getting lousy heat do to no flow?)
3. Blown head gasket, but does not seem to use any coolant, and do you now also loose good heat when you have a blown head gasket?
Any easy trouble shooting I can do while I wait for the new sensor?
So, I figured while replacing the thermostat, I should replace the temp gauge sensor. Autozone sold me one (don't remember brand, but not motorcraft), installed it and wanted to see if it worked, and sure enough it did, but took no time at all to reach RED. The heat coming out of the vents did not seem all that good, same as the previous week. I then replaced the thermostat, and tried it again. Again the gauge went to hot pretty quick (but not instantly). It seems the fans are not coming on unless I turn the a/c on, so either they stopped working, or the sensor is not sending the correct signal to the gauge. I am to affraid to let the car run too long as it possible could be way too hot. Car does now put out good heat, unlike before.
I have ordered a motorcraft sensor but it will take a week to get it. So as I see it, it could be one of three things.
1. Sensor not reading correctly, fix replace it.
2. Bad water pump (but would I not be getting lousy heat do to no flow?)
3. Blown head gasket, but does not seem to use any coolant, and do you now also loose good heat when you have a blown head gasket?
Any easy trouble shooting I can do while I wait for the new sensor?