Engine coolant over temperature when ignition on

Tiny
GISTBANE
  • MEMBER
  • 2018 FORD FUSION
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 50,000 MILES
Hello,

A few days ago, I received an Engine Coolant Over temperature warning on my car (turbo) out of the blue after a twenty minute drive to work in the morning.

That day I checked the expansion tank level, and it was low, so I opened the cap and added about 600 ml of distilled water, and closed the cap.

No trouble for a day, then started intermittently fluctuating temperature randomly while driving, and throwing the over temperature warning.

I limped by for three days with an occasional warning, where I would pull over, and open the expansion tank cap for a couple of minutes. It would bubble furiously for about forty five seconds, then stop. I had recap it and drive on.

Third day, as pulling into driveway gave engine coolant over temperature and went into low power mode.

Now It will immediately peg the temperature gauge to high (right) and give engine coolant over temperature whenever the ignition is in the "on" position.

I checked the coolant temperature sensor, and there appeared to be coolant leaking by it. I cleaned up the coolant, and removed and inspected the sensor.

The o-ring was degraded and there was some mild patina on the sensor where it contacted coolant.

I cleaned the sensor with scotch brite, cleaned with alcohol and dried thoroughly, and replaced the o-ring. I also picked up a replacement sensor from AutoZone.

With the existing cleaned, or the new temperature sensor, it will still immediately peg the temperature gauge to high (right) and give engine coolant over temperature whenever the ignition is in the "on" position.

If started, the vehicle will only run at idle.

If I disconnect the sensor, and turn the ignition to "on" I get the same behavior, except the temperature gauge will peg high, then peg low, then return to high.

I do not have an ODBII handy, is there some way to re-set the system, or am I looking at possibly some sort of ECM/electrical issue?

Any help is appreciated!
Saturday, July 28th, 2018 AT 12:58 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 46,402 POSTS
The new sensor needs to be initiated to the PCM so if you have the old sensor try that if you can. We are reviewing a product currently form AllData that will help you with this problem.

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

In the meantime please read the codes this will help us know for sure. Here is a guide to help you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken
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Sunday, July 29th, 2018 AT 4:32 PM
Tiny
GISTBANE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
What was the outcome? My 2014 is doing the same thing and the sensor was also changed.
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Monday, August 26th, 2019 AT 6:52 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 46,402 POSTS
I checked out the wiring diagrams for this sensor and they go straight into the PCM which I believe is bad. To be sure use the video link above to scan the CAN. Here are instructions on how to change the PCM out in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 11:08 AM

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