Where are the coolant temperature sensor located?

Tiny
NATE081234554321
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 FORD RANGER
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 186,000 MILES
Im looking for the location of both coolant temp sensors. Been told my truck supposedly has two, a single wire for the gauge and a two wire for the computer to monitor the temperature of the engine. The one that I have found is right next to the thermostat housing but it has two wires. When unplugged it turns off the temperature gauge. Everything I have read says the two wire is for the computer not the gauge. I haven't been able to find a single wire coolant temperature sensor on my truck. Did Ford possibly put a sensor and sensor all in one? Also, the one with two wires the plastic clip side spins freely from the brass portion that goes into the block. I have a random misfire had it checked out and they said it was the coil pack. Changed that out and no difference, truck has new plugs wires fuel pump and filter. New IAC valve and TPS. Any help would be appreciated.
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 5:42 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
There are two coolant sensors for this truck, one is called a cylinder head temperature sensor, and the other is the engine coolant temperature sensor. If the sensor core is spinning, I would replace it. Here are both sensor locations. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 10:17 AM
Tiny
NATE081234554321
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
So c0164 is the coolant temperature sensor that sends information to the computer? That is the one that is spinning from the brass base. I know when I unplug it the temperature gauge goes to cold. Or is c107 going to the computer? Thanks, you for the info, also with the rough idle I have zero codes or check engine light sometimes it gets a good bit rougher in the idle and doesn't throw a cel. But the truck will spin the tires and accelerate pretty good for what it is. Such a weird problem.
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Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 7:27 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yes the c0164 is the one that the PCM uses. I can't find what the cylinder head temperature sensor does. Please start another thread for the rough idle problem.
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Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 10:51 AM

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