Engine coolant temperature sensor.

2012 FORD FOCUS
120,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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MIKE SCHLICK
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I need to replace the engine coolant temperature sensor or ECT sensor on my car. Where is it, and how hard is it to replace?
May 4, 2016 at 8:54 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Hello,

The engine coolant temperature sensor is at the rear of the engine cylinder head on the right side of the engine here is a guide to help walk you through the steps to change it out with the location of the sensor in the diagrams below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
May 4, 2016 at 9:42 PM
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MIKE SCHLICK
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I need to replace the coolant temperature sensor on my car I cannot find where the sensor is though, so could some please give me a picture or diagram of it? Thank you!
Jan 19, 2019 at 4:58 PM (Merged)
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JDL
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I found this picture. It appears to be on backside of cylinder head, driver side.
Jan 19, 2019 at 4:59 PM (Merged)
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DGPROZZO
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The check engine light has come on and the computer at Auto Zone suggests the engine coolant temperature sensor needs to be replaced. The computer also suggested the thermostat could be bad, but I do not think so. The coolant level is okay. The car is not overheating or running too cold. No trouble starting when cold. The temperature gauge in the dash is right in the middle of the range, where it has always been. As far as I can tell, replacing the sensor should be relatively easy. But, we cannot locate in on the car. Any help, including diagrams would be appreciated.
May 26, 2020 at 2:38 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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it is probably the cylinder head temperature sensor. Here is a guide that will show you the steps to change it with diagrams below to show the location for your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

I would check the thermostat anyway because sometimes Ford makes the gauge more like a light which just stays in the middle unless you have big problems. This guide will give you an idea of what to looks for.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Check out the diagrams (Below).
May 26, 2020 at 2:38 PM (Merged)
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DGPROZZO
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That solved the problem. Thanks!!
May 26, 2020 at 2:38 PM (Merged)
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JOHN NOPE
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I am trying to find the location of the coolant temperature sensor. A video would be great!
May 26, 2020 at 2:38 PM (Merged)
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SCGRANTURISMO
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Hello,

I have included the information that you requested in the diagrams down below. The Engine Coolant Temperature sensor (ECT) is located in the center of the rear of the engine, in the thermostat housing.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
May 26, 2020 at 2:38 PM (Merged)
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JOHN NOPE
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Actually, it was on the right side middle.
May 26, 2020 at 2:38 PM (Merged)
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JOHN NOPE
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The problem now is the pay they sold me isn't for the car. having trouble determining which to order.
May 26, 2020 at 2:38 PM (Merged)
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SCGRANTURISMO
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Hello again,

Your vehicle is a 2002 Ford Focus 2.0L Automatic, right? What is the exact model of your vehicle? Is is a Focus wagon, wagon ZTW, ZTS, ZX3, or a ZX5? I have included some general information in the diagrams down below for you. I can look up the correct part number for you as soon as I have the exact model you have.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
May 26, 2020 at 2:38 PM (Merged)
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JOHN NOPE
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Did the image of the engine show up?
It's a 4 door se
2.0 split port SOHC (I think)
May 26, 2020 at 2:38 PM (Merged)
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SCGRANTURISMO
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Hello again,

As promised, here is the information that you requested in the diagrams down below. Please if you have any other questions about anything automotive, please, feel free to ask. That is why we are here.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
May 26, 2020 at 2:38 PM (Merged)
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THOMSONHATE7
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I have a 2005 Ford Focus pzev. I'm trying to replace the cylinder head temperature sensor but I'm having difficulty because it is below the valve cover between spark plug numbers 2 & 3. I can't seem to find a deep wall socket or any ford specific tool to r & r it. the problem is the distance between the 3/4 nut/bolt and the top of the sensor is too great so either the socket is not wide enough to fit around the top of the sensor or bottoms out before getting a bite. needle nose pliers do not work as well because there is not enough room around the sensor. I really don't want to remove the valve cover because I just replaced the valve cover gaskets not more than 3 months ago. is there another way or a tool I need to obtain?
Jun 1, 2020 at 9:35 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I have to be honest, some of these can be a pain. Have you already purchased a new sensor? Does the socket you are using properly fit over it? If it does, check the old sensor to make sure it takes a standard type socket. I know that some sensors are designed in a way that requires a special socket.
Jun 1, 2020 at 9:35 AM (Merged)
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THOMSONHATE7
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I tried asking a couple dealership service depts to no avail. I wound up removing the valve cover anyway. Lucky for me the gaskets were in excellent condition so I reused them. I went ahead and made it an all day event and to the opportunity to check my bearing caps for play along with camshaft lobe integrity and clearances. I guess it's just gonna have to stay a pain. In all likelyhood, at least I won't have to mess with it again.
Jun 1, 2020 at 9:35 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Sorry you had to go through all that, but I'm glad you got it fixed.

Take care,
Joe
Jun 1, 2020 at 9:35 AM (Merged)
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BEV SINGLEY
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where is the water temperature sensor located at on the car listed above it is the SE 2.0 z tech?
Jun 1, 2020 at 9:35 AM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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Hello,

The engine coolant temperature sensor is located in the cylinder head toward the front of the engine. Here is a guide and some diagrams (below) to help you get the job done.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

Jun 1, 2020 at 9:35 AM (Merged)
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BRENT HAWKINS
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I have a 16V-Zetec ZTS Ford Focus.Car is running rough. Skipping and bucking during acceleration.Weather has turned cooler and car is beginning to idle rough also. Check engine light is on. code P0125. Coolant Temp Sensor. Cant find the sensor to replace.
Jun 1, 2020 at 9:35 AM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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DTC P0125 : Check Engine Coolant Level

This DTC indicates ECT sensor has not reached the required temperature level to enter closed loop operating conditions within a specified amount of time after starting engine. Possible causes for this fault are:

Insufficient Engine Warm-Up Time
Thermostat Leaking Or Stuck Open
Malfunctioning CHT Or ECT Sensor
Low Coolant Level

Check and repair cooling system as necessary.

A Cylinder Head Temperature sensor is used instead of an ECT.
Jun 1, 2020 at 9:35 AM (Merged)
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ILONI34
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where is the coolant temperature sensor located?
Jun 1, 2020 at 9:39 AM (Merged)
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SCHRIMPIEMAN
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...Near water outlet. Follow upper radiator hose as it snakes its way under the intake plenum. Sensor is either located on the water outlet itself (some models) or on the engine block/head near the water outlet.

Easiest (Hmmmph..) way to access it is to remove the passenger side headlight assembly. The headlight assembly is just a chore to take off; Just when you think you have the easy screws dismounted from the top, there's a "hidden" 10mm bolt behind the moulded bumper which can only be accessed from underneath.

...Enjoy.
Jun 1, 2020 at 9:39 AM (Merged)
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VLADIMIR3233
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I have a ford focus from the year 2001 and have noticed that the coolant temperature sensor is not working anymore, but as much as I look I cant find where it is located and if I find it, I need to know step by step how to change it, please help
Jun 1, 2020 at 9:39 AM (Merged)
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IMPALASS
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Hello - I need to know the exact model and size of your engine in liter. What I have given you is for a Ford Focus LX 2.0L. There are no procedures for this. Disconnect the electrical plug and using a wrench unscrew. Install new one.
Jun 1, 2020 at 9:39 AM (Merged)