Can a faulty ECT sensor affect the engine performance

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 3, 2025 | 05:54 PM

bennyboybrew

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Aug 2024

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Can a faulty ECT sensor affect the engine performance

I have a 2003 F 150 5.4 L 200,000 miles. At 2000 RPM engine misfires. I show a 300+ F ECT reading on OBD II live scan. The dashboard gauge indicates normal operating temp. Can a faulty ECT sensor affect the engine performance (misfires)?

Last edited by bennyboybrew; Dec 3, 2025 at 05:58 PM. Reason: Added more info

Dec 3, 2025 | 06:12 PM

artsr2002

Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2018

Posts: 14,533

Likes: 8,734

From: My House

Welcome to the forum.

Dec 3, 2025 | 07:01 PM

Jbrew

98 F150 5.4L E40D/4R100

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 28,490

Likes: 7,619

From: MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by bennyboybrew

Your vehicle doesn't have a ECT sensor.

But yes, mainly an erratic idle, possibly stall for ECT sensor equipped vehicles. 97-99 5fours and 97-01 4sixes.

Dec 3, 2025 | 08:53 PM

2010/STX/3V

Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2024

Posts: 166

Likes: 66

Yes. The pcm will start disabling injectors when coolant reaches a certain temp to help aid with cooling.

Dec 3, 2025 | 09:29 PM

mbb

5 Year Member

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 4,171

Likes: 1,205

You have a cylinder head temperature and the pcm calculates what the coolant temperature should be based on that...... Which let's be honest is a really stupid thing to do to save $20

Dec 3, 2025 | 09:53 PM