Oil/coolant temperature sensor issues

JACKSONLAY

MEMBER
2010 FORD ESCAPE
2.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

Temperature gauge on the dash heats up much faster than it has in the past. I have had the car for 2 or 3 years and it has never gone over to the right and maxed out the dash gauge. The last oil change was less than 100 miles, radiator coolant was filled up at the same time. Radiator has minor damage from a previous accident; however, it does not appear to be leaking. Gauge gets hot from both idling in a parking lot and driving on the road and highway. What I am looking for is more information on the subject and a diagram of my engine showing where the sensors that check the temperature are.

6 Replies

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

Typically, when the gauge shows above normal operating temperature, it is due to overheating of the engine.
So, does the engine overheat?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-an-overheating-engine

The engine can overheat due to a number of reasons. It could be due to a stuck closed thermostat, bad water pump, faulty radiator, in operative cooling fan. It can also overheat if there is any blockage in the cooling system.

Take a look at this guide, it covers the typical overheating issues:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Of course, it is possible to have a faulty sensor and not actually overheating engine.

The temperature sensor is located on the top of the engine.
I have attached a diagram for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

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Thursday, January 27th, 2022 AT 6:52 AM

JACKSONLAY

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thank you so much for your quick response and the diagram with the included location and part number. If I have any other questions I will be sure to let you know.

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Thursday, January 27th, 2022 AT 2:56 PM

JACKSONLAY

MEMBER
4 POSTS

So, I read both of those articles, and this is what I noted on the drive to work and before. I checked the radiator fans by free spinning them with my hand and only one would free spin. I did not notice any ticking or thumping from the engine on the way to work or any steam rising from the hood, which was also warm, but not hot to the touch. Engine power seemed fine as I could keep up with traffic on the highway. I do not believe there is a coolant leak as there is no puddle under the car. As I work night shift, I did not have time to check for a radiator blockage.

Thanks again and I look forward to your response.

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Thursday, January 27th, 2022 AT 4:28 PM

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

You can check to see if the radiator fan comes on. Maybe after the vehicle has been running for a while and the engine is at operating temperature, open the hood (with the engine running), and see if the radiator fans are coming on.

Also, it is possible to have a faulty sensor and the engine might not be running hot or overheating, as you do not have the typical symptoms.
One way to know if it is overheating is by using an infrared thermometer and check the temperature of the thermostat housing at the end of the radiator hose.
The operating temperature of this engine is 220F. If that temperature stays around this that it is a sensor or even a gauge issue.
If the temperature is noticeably higher than it is overheating.
Some times you local auto parts store will have these thermometer that they might let you use just to check the temperature.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-infrared-temperature-meter

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Thursday, January 27th, 2022 AT 7:58 PM

JACKSONLAY

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thank you for the insight on to my problem Sean, however I have brought it to a mechanic as the scale of the problem grew beyond my level of experience, and the time it would take outweighs how much I have. Thanks again.