5.0 Temp Sending Unit Question

Scoop

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• Sep 18, 2010

• #1

I have SD efi (out of an 88 Cougar XR7) set up and want to hook up a mechanical temp guage. Does the computer use the temp sensor on the front driver's side of the lower intake? I thought I read or was told it was just for the dash guage, but now I am questioning that! I don't want to remove that sensor and replace it with a mechanical sensor if the computer needs the signal from the stock 5.0 sensor. TIA

 

DirtDonk

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• Sep 18, 2010

• #2

The standard sensor is still just for the gauge only. The ECU uses a Coolant Temperature Sensor that's typically mounted in the hard line for the heater hose. Probably some mounted into the intake manifold too, but I've only seen them in two locations, both on the hard tubing.

I don't know if this is a "universal truth" with modern EFI setups, but you can usually figure any sender that's just got a simple push-on single wire connector (like the oil press and water temp senders) is old-school for the gauges. Anything for the ECU is going to be a modern fancy molded plastic keyed connector that only fits one sensor, and only goes on one way. Most are multiple wire too.

I'm sure others will correct that if it's off, but it's mostly true at least.

Paul

 

Steve83

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• Sep 18, 2010

• #3

That's correct for early EFIs, up to ~'00. Later ones use a CHT for both functions, but that will have a sender for the gauge & an ECT for the EEC.

 

DirtDonk

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• Sep 18, 2010

• #4

CHT? What's that stand for? I'm drawing a blank.
All I can think of is Cylinder Head Temp.

Paul

 

Steve83

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• Sep 18, 2010

• #5

BINGO! Automotive Terms & Abbreviations

 

H

HGM

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• Sep 18, 2010

• #6

DirtDonk said:

CHT? What's that stand for? I'm drawing a blank.
All I can think of is Cylinder Head Temp.

Paul

Click to expand...

Yep.....

 

DirtDonk

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• Sep 18, 2010

• #7

Cool. Who knew hanging around all those Corvairs would come in so handy someday. Kind of like that 7th grade typing class...

Paul

 

OP

OP

Scoop

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• Sep 18, 2010

• #8

Thanks for all the replies. I'll be installing the new guage tomorrow.