So im replacing my t stat (was rusted to all hell) and figured id throw in this temp sensor while im at it, cover all my bases. but the plug i destroyed ( directly to the left of t stat, two wires) looks a little different than the sensor i have. Is this actually the sender? i thought the sender was one wire ? If so , where is the sensor then? part numbers?

1991 dodge b350 maxivan 5.9 V8 LA TBI engine

 

Kinda hate having my van inoperable , quick 2cents would be hella appreciated. plus if it freezes tonight with no coolant in her…will that hurt anything? I’m thinking of soldering the old sensor/sender/switch (2 wires) back and putting it back in seeing as how my gauge move and engine ran fine.

 

so the 2 wire should be temp sensor for the computer, single wire temp sensor for the gauge, and your engine and everything will be fine dry overnight, but you wouldn't want straight water in it

 

But are they. physically the same part? even rock auto. is unclear on this.

 

No. One is a one wire, and only has one contact, the other is a two wire, and will have two contacts. They are not interchangeable. Have to look at the pics to see which one it is. Either that, of click the 'info' button, it gives the mopar number in there usually, and if you google search on that number, likely give you more info on which sensor it is.

 

Nice. Thank you, this is what I needed to know. I assume the part number was on the plastic bit that I destroyed getting it off, huh?

 

And where is the gauge sender then? I’ve heard, behind the alternator, behind ac compressor, passenger side of t stat, in intake manifold, by something called a “water box” and “heater outlet”, yet I still can’t find a single contact sensor . Also, if my gauge moves does that mean it’s likely fine (thermostat was indeed rusted open)?

im working from inside the van w the engine cover off. Seems a lot easier than taking everything under the hood apart. Why don’t I ever see people doing this? Hopefully I don’t answer my own question here.

 

They both should be by the thermostat, I see you commented on a different thread with a similar question, reference those pictures

 

On my 96, the sender for the gauge was over by the heater hose connection on the passenger side of the intake. PCM sensor was to the drivers side of the thermostat housing. Yeah, that one is fun to get to.