How to Replace a Coolant Temperature Switch in a 2001 Ford Ranger
A vehicle's coolant temperature switch gauges the temperature of an engine and relays that information to the vehicle's computer, which then adjusts the amount of gasoline sent to the fuel injectors. A failed coolant temperature switch will result in poor performance and cause the vehicle's check engine light to come on. On a 3.0-liter 2001 Ford Ranger, the coolant temperature switch is on the front of the engine, right behind the top idler pulley. Replacing the switch is a fairly simple task that should take less than one-half hour.
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Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench set
- Electrical tape
- Shop rag
- Coolant drain pan
- 11/16-inch deep wall socket
- Thread seal tape
- 3/8-inch drive torque wrench
- Funnel
Instructions
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1
Raise the hood on your Ranger and remove the negative cable from its post on the battery, using a socket wrench. Slide the cable to the side of the battery, away from its post and any other metal within the engine compartment. Wrap either electrical tape or a shop rag around the metal cable terminal for extra safety.
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2
Remove the radiator cap and position a coolant drain pan underneath the radiator. Slowly open the radiator's drain-cock and allow the coolant to drain completely, then close the drain-cock. Slide the coolant drain pan to the side of your work area.
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3
Unplug the wiring harness from the coolant temperature switch and tuck it out of the way. Do not pull on the switch's wires when you remove it, because they may loosen from their contacts within the plug. Grasp the plug itself, when removing it from the switch.
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4
Attach an 11/16-inch deep wall socket to your socket wrench and remove the coolant temperature switch from its mounting position.
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Wrap the threads on the new coolant temperature switch with thread seal tape. One time around the thread is sufficient; you don't need to wrap the thread multiple times.
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6
Thread the new coolant temperature switch back into its mounting position by hand until snug. Then attach the 11/16-inch deep wall socket to a 3/8-inch drive torque wrench. Set the torque wrench to 18 ft-lbs and then completely tighten the switch in place.
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Plug the coolant temperature switch's wiring harness back into the switch. You should hear or feel a small click when the harness has locked in place. Gently pull on the wiring harness's plug if you don't hear or feel the click to make sure it's secured.
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8
Place a funnel inside the filler hole on the radiator and refill the radiator using the coolant from the drain pan. Place the radiator cap back on, and start the Ranger's engine. Allow the truck to reach normal operating temperature before you take it for a test drive.
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Tips & Warnings
When you perform a repair such as this one, you can usually reuse the coolant. Ford recommends changing the coolant in the 2001 Ranger at 45,000 miles and then every 30,000 miles thereafter.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit radiator humor image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com
