Parts for your 2013 Ford Transit-Temperature sensors

2013 Ford Transit temperature sensors — purpose, care, and when to swap them

Temperature sensors are absolutely fitted to the 2013 Ford Transit and they matter a lot. Technical sources including the Ford Workshop Manual for the 2013 Transit (Duratorq diesel), Ford ETIS wiring diagrams, and independent data sets such as Autodata/AllData and the Haynes Transit Diesel manual (2006–2013) identify multiple sensors: engine coolant temperature (ECT), intake air temperature (IAT), exhaust gas temperature (EGT) for DPF control, ambient air temp for HVAC/cluster, and an A/C evaporator temp sensor. Ford diesel service literature for the Euro 5 Transit also details DPF control strategies that rely on EGT feedback.

On this van, the ECT tells the PCM how warm the engine is so it can sort fuelling, cold-start enrichment, idle speed, cooling-fan operation, and the dash gauge. The IAT helps correct for air density so it drives clean and economical from Dunedin winters to Darwin heat. EGT sensors monitor and protect the turbo/exhaust while coordinating DPF regenerations. The ambient and evaporator sensors keep the climate control honest and stop the evaporator from icing up.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for these, they’re generally “replace on fault”. As part of routine servicing (every 10,000–15,000 km for many Transits), a smart workshop will: scan for fault codes, compare live data with reality (cold ECT should match ambient), inspect connectors and harness runs around the thermostat housing, turbo and DPF for heat damage, confirm the cooling system has the correct OAT coolant, no leaks, and is properly bled after any work, and check that the radiator fans cut in/out as commanded.

• Common clues a sensor’s on the way out: hard cold starts, rich running, random fan operation, frequent/failed DPF regens, weak A/C performance, erratic temp gauge, and MIL with codes like P0115–P0119 (ECT) or P2031/P242A (EGT).
• When replacing an ECT: work stone-cold, relieve cooling pressure, fit the new sensor with its seal/washer, top up and bleed coolant, then clear codes and recheck live data.
• For stubborn EGT sensors: use penetrating oil on hot-side threads, support the hex, don’t twist the lead, and check the harness routing afterwards.

Most issues are caught early with a quick scan and visual under the bonnet. Keep the connectors clean and the cooling system healthy, and the Transit’s temperature sensors will do their job quietly in the background.

Popular questions

Where is the engine coolant temperature sensor on a 2013 Ford Transit?
The ECT sensor on the 2.2 Duratorq diesel is typically mounted in or near the thermostat housing on the cylinder head, with a two-pin connector. Some variants also monitor cylinder head temperature as a backup signal. Access is straightforward once the engine cover is off, but let it cool completely before touching anything.

Will a bad temperature sensor stop a 2013 Transit from starting?
Usually not. If the ECT or IAT reads wildly wrong, the PCM can fall back to default values, but you may get hard starting, a high idle, sootier exhaust, or poor fuel economy. An EGT fault won’t normally prevent a start, though it can trigger limp mode or DPF regen issues. A quick code read will point you in the right direction.

Do EGT sensors affect DPF regens and fuel use?
Yes. The PCM uses upstream/downstream EGT readings to time and control regenerations. A lazy or failed EGT can cause frequent regens or block them entirely, hurting fuel economy and risking a clogged DPF. Replacing a faulty EGT and checking the DPF pressure sensor and hoses usually restores normal behaviour.