Okay all you techy Mustang Cobra guys, put on your thinking caps.
A few months ago I posted a problem with my 97 Cobra running on the hot side of normal on the temp gauge. It also has a 'CHECK ENGINE' light that comes on for no discernable perticular reason. This Cobra is equipped with a Vortech V-1 supercharger. Short of changing out MAF's, TB's, etc. (all additional hardware) I have been observing and testing situations to see what makes the temps go up. Even with the thermostat removed, the temp goes way up. The radiator fan doesn't come on until the temp is way up.
While I can accept running toward 'H' in bumper-to-bumper traffic on a 90+ degree day, I can't accept the gauge going to the 'L' in 'NORMAL' when the ambient temp is 60 degrees and the A/C is off.
I finally got my hands on a code scanner over the weekend. Along with a few sordid comments about the computer (it is altered with the Vortech chip), the scanner did indicate that the "ECT" (engine coolant temperature) circuit was high, with a value given as 4.75 volts. Technical info extracted from the scanner indicates that normal ECT is in the 0.4 to 0.7 volt range. The scanner also reported that technicians have found poor ground connections for the two smaller ground wires at the battery's negative terminal. I cleaned the terminal connectors, solder the joints and used an electrical joint compound in the bolted joints to the body, all to assure good grounding in this area. The temps still run up and the light still comes on whenever it wants. Based on the 4.75 volt reading I'm leaning toward a bad ground somewhere else in the car, maybe near the computer.
So, before I dig into the right kickpanel, if there is anyone out there who has solved a similar situation and/or can shed some light on a solution, I'd be appreciative.
A few months ago I posted a problem with my 97 Cobra running on the hot side of normal on the temp gauge. It also has a 'CHECK ENGINE' light that comes on for no discernable perticular reason. This Cobra is equipped with a Vortech V-1 supercharger. Short of changing out MAF's, TB's, etc. (all additional hardware) I have been observing and testing situations to see what makes the temps go up. Even with the thermostat removed, the temp goes way up. The radiator fan doesn't come on until the temp is way up.
While I can accept running toward 'H' in bumper-to-bumper traffic on a 90+ degree day, I can't accept the gauge going to the 'L' in 'NORMAL' when the ambient temp is 60 degrees and the A/C is off.
I finally got my hands on a code scanner over the weekend. Along with a few sordid comments about the computer (it is altered with the Vortech chip), the scanner did indicate that the "ECT" (engine coolant temperature) circuit was high, with a value given as 4.75 volts. Technical info extracted from the scanner indicates that normal ECT is in the 0.4 to 0.7 volt range. The scanner also reported that technicians have found poor ground connections for the two smaller ground wires at the battery's negative terminal. I cleaned the terminal connectors, solder the joints and used an electrical joint compound in the bolted joints to the body, all to assure good grounding in this area. The temps still run up and the light still comes on whenever it wants. Based on the 4.75 volt reading I'm leaning toward a bad ground somewhere else in the car, maybe near the computer.
So, before I dig into the right kickpanel, if there is anyone out there who has solved a similar situation and/or can shed some light on a solution, I'd be appreciative.