Parts for your 2015 Ford Falcon-Temperature sensors

2015 Ford Falcon Temperature Sensors

Yes, the 2015 Ford Falcon (FG X) is fitted with multiple temperature sensors. Technical sources confirm their presence and roles across the vehicle’s systems: the Ford FG X Falcon Workshop Manual details engine coolant or cylinder head temperature sensing in Section 303-14 (Electronic Engine Controls), intake air temperature sensing in the intake tract, ambient air temperature for HVAC and dash display in Section 412-01 (Climate Control), and transmission fluid temperature monitoring in Section 307-01 (Automatic Transmission). The FG/FG X Electrical Wiring Diagrams (2014–2016) and Ford diagnostic documentation for PCM DTCs (P0110–P0114, P0115–P0119, P0125, etc.) further reference these temperature-sensor circuits and their diagnostic procedures.

On an FG X Falcon, temperature sensors do the quiet heavy lifting that keeps the big Ford running sweet. The engine uses an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor or, depending on engine variant, a cylinder head temperature (CHT) sensor to tell the ECU how hot things are under the bonnet. That info trims fuel, sets ignition timing, manages idle, and kicks the radiator fans in. There’s also an intake air temperature (IAT) sensor that helps the ECU account for dense, cold air on a winter morning or thin, hot air on a summer arvo. Ambient air temperature steers the climate control and outside-temp readout, while the auto’s transmission fluid temperature sensor protects the box by managing shift strategy when it’s working hard.

As part of regular servicing, it’s worth casting an eye over the cooling system and checking scan-data. A cold engine should show ECT/CHT close to ambient, if it’s wildly off, the sensor or its wiring may be suspect. Common clues a temp sensor is on the fritz include hard starting, rough idle, fans running constantly, a lazy heater, or the gauge behaving oddly. A stored fault code helps pinpoint which sensor is grumpy.

Replacement is usually straightforward, but a couple of tips go a long way:

• Never remove an engine temp sensor from a hot engine, let it cool and relieve system pressure.
• Use new sealing washers or O-rings where specified, and tighten to the correct torque to avoid leaks or cracking the housing.
• Top up with the correct Ford-approved coolant mix and bleed air properly to prevent hot spots.
• For IAT sensors, ensure the intake ducting is sealed and the sensor tip is clean and undamaged.

With age and kilometres, sensors can drift. If symptoms persist after normal cooling-system maintenance, testing and replacing the affected temperature sensor keeps the Falcon economical, punchy, and happy in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Popular questions

How do you tell if the Falcon’s coolant temperature sensor is failing?
Under cold-start conditions, scan-tool ECT/CHT should match the outside temp. If the reading is way off, or the fans run all the time, fuel economy tanks, or the dash gauge acts oddly, the sensor or wiring may be the culprit. A check for related fault codes and a quick resistance test against the workshop manual specs will confirm it.

Can you keep driving with a dodgy temperature sensor?
It’ll usually run, but it’s not a great idea. The ECU may run rich, the fans may misbehave, and there’s a risk of missing an actual overheating event. Short trips to a workshop are generally fine, but book it in and sort it before it causes bigger dramas.

Where is the temperature sensor on a 2015 Falcon?
Location depends on the engine. Many FG X sixes use an engine coolant temp sensor near the thermostat housing, while the XR8’s 5.0 V8 commonly monitors cylinder head temperature from a sensor in the head casting. Intake air temp is in the intake tract (often integrated with the MAP/T-MAP). A quick engine-code check and a look at the FG X wiring diagram in the workshop manual will nail it down.