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#2 of 5 Re: 03 Temp sensor malfunction [test1328] by 97expedition

Jan 24, 2011 (2:50 pm)

Replying to: test1328 (Aug 10, 2009 3:47 pm)

Did you ever find out what was wrong with your Expedition? I've seen similar posts, but never any with a resolution.
 
I have a 97 Expedition 4.6L with similar symptoms. The temperature appears to spike, but does it in a fraction of a second -- far faster than what would be physically possible. The engine never actually overheats, but appears to and then the truck goes into 'limp' mode. You pull over. Shut down. Wait. Start up and then you are good to go. Sometimes, the gauge goes back to normal before you hit limp mode and before you shut down. I've replaced the temp sensor as well. It seemed to do better for a bit, then went back to its old tricks. It seems that it is worse in stormy weather.
 
Every time you talk to a mechanic about it, they say "replace the thermostat. Flush the coolant." Been there, done that-- they don't hear you when you tell them "the truck is NOT overheating" The wires look good, but more and more, it seems like that must be the problem.
 
In the meantime, anyone want to buy a 97 Expedition?

Replies to this message:

• test1328 (Jan 24, 2011 4:54 pm)
  • 97expedition (Jan 25, 2011 6:50 am)
    • test1328 (Jan 25, 2011 10:40 am)

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#3 of 5 Re: 03 Temp sensor malfunction [97expedition] by test1328

Jan 24, 2011 (4:54 pm)

Replying to: 97expedition (Jan 24, 2011 2:50 pm)

It took a while to find the problem. I had to resort to taking it to the dealer and letting them troubleshoot it. It took them about a week and several conferences with Ford headquarters to determine that it was a cracked block near the temp sensor. It was a very small, hairline crack that would only open under the right circumstances and was small enough that it didn't cause the entire cooling system to overheat. The result and only solution was a complete engine replacement (long block) that cost me about $6K. Needless to say, I was extremely unhappy. This is my wife's car, which she depends on to haul around a bunch of kids during the day so my wife was the one who authorized the go ahead. I'm not so sure I would have spent the money otherwise. I was highly disappointed that Ford did not offer to even discount the work since it was obviously not caused by abuse. The vehicle had a little over 60K miles on it at the time. Of course, I haven't had any similar problems with the vehicle since this work was done and my wife is happy, so I suppose alls well that ends well (except my checkbook). To say that I'm soured on Fords and their customer service would be an understatement. I'm not sure that I'll ever buy one again due to their attitude that it was just my tough luck that this happened to me.
 
I hope this isn't what your problem is. It seems like testing the wires should be relatively simple if that is the problem, so you might try that next.

Replies to this message:

• 97expedition (Jan 25, 2011 6:50 am)
  • test1328 (Jan 25, 2011 10:40 am)

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#4 of 5 Re: 03 Temp sensor malfunction [test1328] by 97expedition

Jan 25, 2011 (6:50 am)

Replying to: test1328 (Jan 24, 2011 4:54 pm)

Thank you for responding. I'm sorry to hear of your troubles with your Expedition. Mine currently has 167,000 on its original engine, so I hope that your new engine will last you a while.
 
I have been concerned that maybe I have something major like a cracked block or a head gasket on its way out. These symptoms seemed so odd that I was hoping that this problem was some simple $100 fix and I'd be on my way. Considering how long we've had this truck, I'm probably due for something big

Replies to this message:

• test1328 (Jan 25, 2011 10:40 am)

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#5 of 5 Re: 03 Temp sensor malfunction [97expedition] by test1328

Jan 25, 2011 (10:40 am)

Replying to: 97expedition (Jan 25, 2011 6:50 am)