Ford Fiesta Temperature Sensor: Problems & Fixes (Solution)

In the mentioned Fiesta and similar Ford Fusion models, the temperature sensors for the onboard computer often fail, displaying either unrealistic negative temperatures or only "--- °C".

When ordering the new part, you're in for a shock – the replacement part costs almost €100. However, we've encountered this same issue with three different models, so here's a cheaper repair tip:

- Usually, only one or both of the contacts directly on the sensor corrode (the sensor is located behind the bumper, behind the license plate; you need to unclip the lower grille to see the metal spring that holds the sensor), and one of the measurement leads becomes disconnected.


Repair tip:

- Remove the sensor, carefully open it, and expose approximately the rear centimeter of the sensor. Disconnect both wires, shorten them by about 5 cm, and crimp on a solderable compression fitting (important because the internal copper wires corrode and become unsuitable for soldering). Then, crimp two short pieces (5-10 cm) of 1.0 mm² automotive stranded wire into the compression fittings.

- Solder these wires to the exposed contact pads on the sensor and then seal everything with a suitable sealant (body adhesive or black hot glue, which is elastic and won't crack like white!).

- If the two contacts break off directly with a piece of the circuit board that is approximately 5mm wide, simply remove some more of the yellow sealant from the sensor – then you will see the next piece of the circuit board, to which you can easily solder.


Material costs: approximately €1.

Time required: 15 minutes.


Perhaps this will save some people the very expensive cost of buying a new sensor (which, by the way, is only available from the manufacturer!).