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2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD
3.9L DOHC V8 (252 hp)•FWD•AUTOMATIC•gas
2 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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Repairs0Labor974Torque985Fluid14DTC1870Battery2Maintenance0Recalls2
B0404low severityBody

Temperature Gauge Circuit Malfunction

on 2002 Ford Thunderbird 3.9L DOHC V8 (252 hp) · FWD

What this code means

The engine temperature gauge in the instrument cluster is not functioning or reads incorrectly.

Symptoms

  • Temperature gauge stuck at cold
  • Gauge stuck at hot
  • Temperature gauge erratic
  • No temperature warning capability

Common causes

  • Faulty coolant temperature sender for gauge
  • Cluster gauge failure
  • Wiring issue
  • Sender connector corroded

Diagnostic steps

  1. Check coolant temp sender resistance
  2. Test gauge with simulated resistance
  3. Inspect sender connector
  4. Compare scan tool temp to gauge reading

Repair notes

Replace coolant temperature sender for gauge (separate from ECT sensor) or repair cluster.

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