Inoperative Temperature Gauge

My temperature on my 1998 Ford Contour recently quit working and I read one posting where the thermostat sensor was at fault. My question is .. where is that sensor located?
Also, does anyone know which fuse controls the temperature gauge?

Just before my gauge quit working .. it would work occasionally then finally not at all. That is why I assume the sensor is more likely at fault.

Appreciate any help. Thanks.

I have this same problem on my 1996 4 cyl. I've had the thermostat replaced, the radiator flushed and had to have re-wiring done to some sensor or probe for the temp. The wiring insulation had deteriorated and just shaking the wire would make a connection (or break one) down in the harness of wiring. My gauge still doesn't work though and my cooling fan doesn't come on unless I run the ac. So, you might get someone to watch the guage while you fiddle with the wiring harness, that might tell you what I've found out - the whole harness should be replaced - if you can afford that. Things began to stop working, the clock light, the light in the door handles, the dome light etc. and now it looks like other, more important wiring is going bad.

Good luck!

Hello..

For the last 5 months I have had the same problem with my temperature gauge in my 98 Ford Contour SE. I am not sure how to fix this problem. My fan comes on but for awhile I was thinking there was something wrong with the cooling system. I can't figure out what is wrong with the temprature gauge. Sometimes it will go up half way and then about 5 minutes later will go back down. I have also had problems with my power window fuses blowing. In the past year I went through a whole pack of fuses for my windows.