Parts for your 2009 Ford Falcon-Temperature sensors

2009 Ford Falcon Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensors are absolutely used on the 2009 Ford Falcon (FG series). Ford’s FG Falcon Workshop Manual and common service data (including Autodata and Ford IDS diagnostic routines) detail several temp sensors that feed the powertrain control module and body systems: the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor, intake air temperature (IAT) sensor, transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor on autos, and an ambient air temperature sensor for climate and display. OBD‑II fault sets for this model also include ECT/IAT codes (e.g., P0115–P0119), confirming their presence and function.

On this Falcon, temperature sensors do the quiet heavy lifting. The ECT sensor tracks coolant temp so the PCM can sort cold‑start enrichment, ignition timing, idle speed, and when to kick the thermo fans on. The IAT fine‑tunes fuelling and spark as air density changes across a hot Aussie summer or a chilly Kiwi morning. If it’s an auto, the TFT shapes shift strategy and line pressure. The ambient sensor keeps the climate control honest and the outside temp readout believable.

They’re not routine replacement items, but they’re worth checking at each service. A quick scan‑tool look on a cold engine should show ECT close to ambient, big outliers point to a lazy sensor or wiring drama. Healthy coolant protects the ECT from corrosion, so sticking to the correct coolant and change interval helps longevity.

• Common clues a temp sensor’s crook: hard cold starts, rough idle, thermo fans running constantly, rich stink and poor fuel use, erratic gauge, harsh or odd auto shifts, and stored DTCs.
• Locations: typically near the thermostat housing on the Barra inline‑six, near the coolant crossover/thermostat area on the V8. IAT sits in the intake tract. Ambient is ahead of the radiator/bumper area.
• Replacement tips: disconnect the battery, let the engine cool right down, catch and dispose of coolant properly, swap the sensor with an OE‑quality part, use new sealing washers/O‑rings as specified, torque to factory spec, then bleed the cooling system. Clear codes and confirm fan operation and temps on a scan tool.

If the Falcon’s on LPG (E‑Gas), a spot‑on ECT signal is even more important for clean starts and drivability. A little preventative attention here saves fuel, keeps the fans behaving, and helps the big Ford run sweet.

Popular questions

Where is the coolant temperature sensor on a 2009 Ford Falcon?
On most FG inline‑six models it’s mounted near the thermostat housing. On the V8, it’s positioned around the coolant crossover/thermostat area. A quick look with a torch near the upper radiator hose connection usually spots it.

Do temperature sensors need regular replacement?
No scheduled interval. They’re replaced when faulty or contaminated. During regular services, a technician will verify readings with a scan tool, inspect connectors for corrosion or coolant wicking, and keep the cooling system in good nick to protect the sensor.

What symptoms point to a bad ECT sensor on an FG Falcon?
Expect hard cold starts, high idle, fans stuck on or never coming on, rich running and poor fuel economy, a dodgy temp gauge, and ECT‑related fault codes. Comparing scan‑tool ECT to actual cold ambient is a fast way to confirm suspicion.