How to install a coolant temp sensor in a 1995 ford escort

P0118 engine coolant temp circuit high input
Possible causes
Low coolant level
Bad coolant sensor
Bad thermostat
Broken wire or poor connection at coolant sensor harness

Click here to see coolant temp. sensor.

Automobiles: 2000 Ford Escort ZX2 4-cylinder 2.0L MFI DOHC

NOTE
The "left" side of the engine is the driver's side.

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor (a device which changes resistance or voltage as temperature changes). The sensor detects the temperature of engine coolant and provides a corresponding signal to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module - aka "the car's computer").

The ECT sensor is mounted in the following locations (small Ford engines):

1.8L engines: in the cylinder head
1.9L engines: threaded into the heater hose inlet pipe
2.0L engines: at the left rear of the engine

2.0L Zetec Engine

(1) Partially drain the engine cooling system using a clean container. If coolant is in good condition, retain for reuse.
(2) Disconnect the battery ground cable.
(3) Disconnect the electrical wiring connector from the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
(4) Remove the retaining clip and the ECT sensor.




Fig. 1 Escort ZX2 ECT sensor - The retaining clip is removed (at the solid arrow). Withdraw ECT sensor by gently wiggling/pulling in the direction of the dashed arrow.

To install:

NOTE
Coat the ECT sensor O-ring with clean coolant prior to installation.

(1) Replace the retaining clip and the ECT sensor.
(2) Connect the electrical wiring connector from the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
(3) Connect the battery ground cable.
(4) Refill the engine cooling system. An inexpensive plastic "Radiator Funnel" will help with this task.

The code is P0125 insufficient coolant temperature for closed loop control excessive simple fix replace the termostat the engine coolant temperature(for ECM) is rarely the problem play it safe a go ahead and replace it but above all else do the thermostat if the ECT is correct it means the thermostat is open

Replace your temp sensor sending unit ($36 @ NAPA) - this will solve the problem.

This CODE is Indicating that ENGINE COOLANT TEMP is NOT Reaching TEMP HOT Enough to >CLOSE LOOP < This is when ECM takes over ALL ELECTRONIC CONTROLS, . It Basicly Points at A Coolant Temp Sensor that is Faulty or Thermostat that is RATED too LOW. Engine Must Reach 200 - 220 degrees

is on hot all time if so the wire must be shorting out some where

there are 2 item located in the same area one is a little below the other.it is on the housing of the one you replaced, the top one is a low coolant sensor and the one on the bottom is the temp sensor.

this is whats going on insufficient warm up time / low engine coolant /check coolant/ leaking or stuck thermostat or faulty tep sensor

First thing I would do is hook a scanner to the car to check the throttle position sensor and coolant temp sensor to make sure the car is getting up to temp. If it's not getting up to 195 degrees, none of your controls are going to work right. Also, make sure it's full of coolant because low coolant will make the car think it's in cold weather and make it run rich. Also, a thermostat will make a car have this kind of problem. Phil