Stock 1990 5.0 LX
I just noticed my temperature guage has stopped functioning. The guage pointer does not move. All other guages function normally. My Ford shop manual is very poorly written on this topic. I have no electronic testing devices. After checking wiring & connections, is replacing the sender the first thing to try? Thanks in advance.

 

I'm not one to normally suggest just replacing parts, but the 2 coolant temp sensors aren't that expensive at an auto parts store. I got both for $30.

Try this first though... Make sure the sensors are still connected and the wires are in good shape. One CTS is located on the black heater hose tube that goes into the lower intake <runs parallel to the fuel rail on the pass. side>. The other is on the driver's side at the front of the lower intake by the #5 injector.

 

Thanks gspfunk. It says you're from Dallas. Me too. You are right. A person can't run around recommending to just start replacing parts. I did finally locate a post for this problem where the suggestion was made to remove the wires from the sensor, ground them, and if the gauge reads full hot, the sensor is definitely bad. Would you care to comment regarding this method of troubleshooting? Perhaps elaborate in a bit more detail how to do this? Thanks again in advance.

 

I've never heard of doing it that way, but it sounds like it will work. You could always just take the sensors back, too

Yeah, I'm in N Dallas/Carrollton/Plano area.....

 

The dealership where I normally get parts wants less than $20 for the one I think I need, but it is out of stock, so i will wait until they get one in.

Sounds like we're practically neighbors. I will post later as to whether or not this fixes my problem. Thanks again.

 

Try O'reilly's. I bought the Borg-Warner ones. They make good parts and are cheaper than Motorcraft.

 

Any suggestions as to how to get at the one on top behind the distributor?

 

As much as I hate to say it, either a lot of patience or remove the upper intake. You may be able to remove the upper w/o disconnecting too much.....

 

Oh yeah, hopefully one last thing. The manual says to prepare the part with pipe sealant with teflon. Any recommendations on that?

 

If you haven't done it already, teflon tape works fine.