Starting earlier this week, I began to notice occasional unusual, and unlikely coolant temp readings via my ScangaugeII. For example, I'd drive the truck around a while, and it would read between about 170*F and 185*F on a warm day (70*F+), and be bouncing all over the place. It's not a stuck open t-stat, since it does sometimes read correctly and show the t-stat opening. I really caught it the other morning when it jumped from 160*F to 190*F in one refresh of the SGII (2 second refresh rate). It had been running for 20 minutes, so I knew 160*F was [censored]. Busted. I'm thinking that sort of behavior can only be the coolant temp sender. Planning on replacing it tomorrow with a Motorcraft. The original made it 12 years and 151K miles, so I'll go with it again.
Of course, this whole time, the temp gauge was sitting right in the middle. A supposedly 30*F change in temp over 2 seconds = dead middle, everything is normal on the gauge! How informative! 160*F-210*F = middle. No CEL because it reads within a believable range for the computer. Runs fine, but is probably hurting my fuel economy. I would have no idea if it wasn't for the Scangauge.
I am happy with the life of the part, I just wish Fords didn't try to hide problems like some wounded animal that doesn't want to show weakness. Thankfully the SGII doesn't lie.
Of course, this whole time, the temp gauge was sitting right in the middle. A supposedly 30*F change in temp over 2 seconds = dead middle, everything is normal on the gauge! How informative! 160*F-210*F = middle. No CEL because it reads within a believable range for the computer. Runs fine, but is probably hurting my fuel economy. I would have no idea if it wasn't for the Scangauge.
I am happy with the life of the part, I just wish Fords didn't try to hide problems like some wounded animal that doesn't want to show weakness. Thankfully the SGII doesn't lie.
