question about

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor. Wouldn't it cause the engine temp gauge to show the car is overheating or does it cause the gauge to stay at half way?????

also, another question. MAF, to remove just undo the torx screws and pull is out?

what year and engine Explorer are we talking about here?

Typically there is an engine coolant temperature sensor for the PCM to adjust air/fuel ratio, cooling fan operation, etc. and a separate engine coolant temperature sender for the guage in the instrument cluster.

As for the MAF, yep, unplug the electrical connector, remove the two security Torx screws, then wiggle the assembly out of the housing. There is an o-ring seal that may require the wiggling to get loose.

-Rod

01 4.0 Sohc

Yep, your 2001 has a coolant temperature sensor for the PCM mounted towards the front of the engine, left of the throttle body. The wire colors for the sensor are light green/red and gray/red. You have an engine coolant temperature sender for the guage, and it is located in the center of the engine compartment, behind the alternator bracket. The wire colors for the sender are red/white and black/white. The two function independently of one another, ie: if the sender fails, the sensor could still read accurately and therefore the PCM will continue to adjust timing, EGR control, and air/fuel ratio correctly.

-Rod