replica

Just bought a 95 5.0 and the only mechanical issue is that the car doesn't get up to temperature. The temperature might get to the "N" on normal if I'm lucky. The car will get to the N, then the radiator fan kicks on and knocks it down to about the first little line on the gauge (even colder.) So I'm guessing the fan relay or whatever is operating, and the thermostat is operating since it's making the fan kick on. The exhaust smells a bit rich as well. Guesses on what's broken? I was thinking of replacing the ECT for fun. I do not have any CEL's.

Where does the temp needle generally point on a properly operating Mustang?

mattdel

Sounds to me like it gets up to temperature just fine. Your gauge is malfunctioning.
Sender, wiring, gauge.

replica

Is there a specific name for the sensor that sends the temp reading to the gauge?

mattdel

coolant temp sender, front driverside of the intake manifold.

replica

This guy?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...47389_0_18589_

mattdel

Negative. SenDer, not senSor.

mattdel

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...28785_77401_0_

replica

Ah, thanks. The names change on the autozone site. They called it a switch, instead of a sender.

Thanks again.

mustangGT86_05

Yeah parts stores are weird like that, I worked at one a while back and they all change what they want to call things. Makes it a pain

ttocs

mine was doing the same thing for about a year. Last year I did a HCI swap and got some aftermarket gauges just to make sure everything was safe. The new temp gauge shows it is working perfectly.