Where is the coolant level sensor on a 6.7 Powerstroke?

The coolant level sensor on Ford’s 6.7 Powerstroke is located inside the coolant expansion reservoir (the coolant recovery tank) in the engine bay. It uses a two-pin electrical connection to report coolant level to the vehicle computer and trigger warnings if the level drops.

Location and function

In typical 6.7 Powerstroke engines, the sensor is built into the coolant reservoir with a small two-pin connector attached to the side of the tank. This design keeps the level measurement sealed and shielded from engine heat and vibration. The PCM uses this input to determine if coolant is low and may illuminate a warning light or message on the dash.

Where to look and how to verify

Follow these steps to locate and verify the coolant level sensor on a 6.7 Powerstroke:

• Open the hood and locate the translucent coolant expansion reservoir, usually mounted toward the engine bay's side.


• Inspect the reservoir's side for a small two-pin electrical connector and a sensor body connected to the tank.


• Check that the connector is fully seated and that there is no visible corrosion or damaged wiring along the harness.


• If you cannot locate the sensor on the reservoir, consult the vehicle’s service manual for your year/model, as a few production changes could place the sensor differently.

Common follow-up: if the warning light remains on or the level reading is inconsistent, the sensor or its wiring may be faulty and may require replacement or a harness repair.

Testing and troubleshooting

Testing options range from simple visual inspection to diagnostic scans. You can perform a quick visual check and ensure the level is within the markings on the reservoir; a dealership or qualified shop can use a diagnostic scanner to read the coolant level sensor data or test the sensor with specialized equipment.

Maintenance tips

Keep the reservoir clean and free of cracks; replace the sensor or the entire reservoir if damage is present. Use Ford-approved coolant and ensure the system is bled properly after service to avoid air pockets that can affect readings.

Summary

On the Ford 6.7 Powerstroke, the coolant level sensor sits inside the coolant expansion reservoir, connected via a two-pin plug to the wiring harness. Locating it involves inspecting the reservoir side for the sensor body and its connector; if readings are erratic, check for wiring faults or reservoir damage, and follow up with testing or replacement as needed.

Where is a coolant sensor located?

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is typically located near the thermostat housing or in the engine block, often where the upper radiator hose connects to the engine. Some vehicles may have more than one sensor, with one on the engine and another on the radiator to control cooling fans. You can find it by following the upper radiator hose towards the engine or by looking for a component with a wire harness connector attached to it near the thermostat.
 
This video demonstrates how to locate the engine coolant temperature sensor: 59sCarsNToysYouTube · Feb 13, 2018
Common locations

• Thermostat housing: This is the most common location. The sensor is mounted on the housing, which is often near the front of the engine. 
• Engine block: In some cases, the sensor is screwed directly into the engine block. 
• Radiator: Some modern vehicles have a second sensor on the radiator to help control the cooling fan. 

You can watch this video to see how the engine coolant temperature sensor is replaced: 55sRed Pill GarageYouTube · Feb 19, 2022
How to identify it

• Follow the radiator hose: Trace the path of the upper radiator hose from the radiator to where it connects to the engine, often called the thermostat housing or upper intake manifold. The sensor is usually located at this connection point. 
• Look for the electrical connector: The sensor will have a wire harness plugged into it. This connector will have a locking tab that you need to press to detach it. 
• Use your vehicle's documentation: If you are still having trouble, search online using your vehicle's make and model, or check a service manual to see diagrams of your specific engine. 

Where is the coolant temperature sensor 2 on a 6.7 Powerstroke?

The 6.7 Powerstroke coolant temperature sensor 2 (ECT2) is located in the engine block near the thermostat housing, on the cylinder head, or within the main cooling system. To find it, look for a sensor with an electrical connector in the general area of the thermostat housing where the upper radiator hose connects to the engine. You may need to remove the airbox or other components for better access. 
This video shows how to locate the engine coolant temperature sensor on a Ford 6.0 Powerstroke: 1mStandard BrandYouTube · Jan 11, 2016

• General Location: It is typically found in a coolant passage on the engine block, near the thermostat housing. 
• Visual Cue: Follow the upper radiator hose to where it connects to the engine's upper plenum; the sensor is usually in this vicinity. 
• Access: You may need to remove components like the airbox or intercooler piping to get a clear view and access to the sensor. 
• Identification: The sensor has an electrical connector with a tab that you press to release. 

This video demonstrates the process of replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor on a Ford 6.0 Powerstroke: 45sMicah Martin DIYYouTube · Feb 13, 2022

Why is my coolant level warning light on but coolant is full?

If your low coolant light is on despite a full reservoir, the most common cause is a faulty or malfunctioning coolant level sensor. Other potential causes include air pockets in the cooling system, a bad radiator cap, or a problem with the thermostat, water pump, or hoses. To address this, you should check the sensor, look for other obvious issues, and consider getting the system professionally diagnosed if the problem persists.
 
This video demonstrates how to troubleshoot a low coolant light on a truck when the coolant level is actually full: 56sDouble D DistributionYouTube · Oct 18, 2022
Potential causes and solutions

• Faulty coolant sensor: A bad sensor is the most likely culprit. It may be corroded, have a loose connection, or be failing internally. 
  • Solution: Inspect the sensor for any obvious damage. Check the wiring harness for loose or broken connections. Replacing the sensor can often solve the problem. 
• Air in the cooling system: If the coolant was recently changed, air pockets can get trapped, leading to false readings. 
  • Solution: Follow your vehicle's manual to properly "bleed" the air out of the cooling system. 
• Defective radiator cap: A faulty cap can fail to maintain the proper pressure in the system, which can trigger the light. 
  • Solution: Inspect the cap and its seal. It may need to be replaced. 
• Other system issues: Problems with the thermostat, water pump, or a blockage/pinched hose can cause the engine to overheat, which can trigger the light, even if the reservoir is full. 
  • Solution: Have a mechanic inspect these components, as a diagnostic check can help identify the root cause of the overheating or pressure problem. 

How to tell if a coolant level sensor is bad?

Symptoms of a faulty coolant level sensor include a "check engine" or "coolant" warning light staying on even when the coolant is full, or conversely, the warning light failing to come on when the coolant is low. Other symptoms can include engine overheating, poor fuel economy, rough idling, and the engine running erratically, as the sensor can provide incorrect information to the engine's computer. 
Warning lights 

• Constant coolant light: The low coolant warning light remains illuminated, even if the coolant level is correct.
• No warning: The low coolant warning light does not turn on when the coolant level drops, failing to alert you to a dangerously low level. 

Engine performance

• Overheating: The engine may overheat, especially if the sensor fails to detect a critically low coolant level, leading to the light not illuminating when it should. 
• Poor fuel economy: The engine's computer may incorrectly inject more fuel if it receives a faulty signal from the sensor, resulting in decreased gas mileage. 
• Rough idling: An incorrect signal can lead to an improper air-fuel mixture, causing the engine to run roughly or stall. 
• Engine misfires: A bad sensor can cause misfires and other performance issues due to the incorrect information sent to the engine's computer. 
• Black smoke: Black smoke from the exhaust can be a sign of a rich fuel mixture, which can be caused by a faulty coolant sensor.