Removal & Installation (3.9L & 5.9L)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Hot, pressurized coolant can cause injury by scalding. Cooling system must be partially drained before removing the coolant temperature sensor.

Partially drain cooling system to below Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor level. ECT sensor is located on front of intake manifold, near inside of generator and contains a Tan/Black wire and a Black/Light Blue wire in the electrical connector. See Fig 1.
Remove air cleaner if necessary for access to ECT sensor. On models equipped with A/C, go to next step. On models not equipped with A/C, disconnect electrical connector at ECT sensor. Remove ECT sensor.
On A/C equipped models, electrical connector on ECT sensor may be difficult to reach. It may be necessary to use a coat hanger and fabricate an "L" shaped tool about 8" (203 mm) long to disconnect electrical connector by placing hook part of tool under electrical connector and pulling electrical connector upward from ECT sensor. Remove engine coolant temperature sensor.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten ECT sensor to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Fill cooling system.

Fig 1: Locating Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (3.9L & 5.9L)

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION