2001 Windstar IAT Sensor Location

[JCWindstar]

On a 2001 Ford Windstar, where is the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor located?

The 2001 Ford Service manual references the part, but provides no information on its location. Nor was my local Ford dealer able to tell me.

The Haynes manual for WIndstars 1995 thru 2003 indicates that it is locted near the Throttle position sensor (TPS) on the 96 to 98 model and on the airbox for some 95 to 98 models.

I have searched from the air box to the throttle body and cannot locate it.

Anyone know where to find it -- picture would be great.

Note, that Ford is more than happy to sell me the part, just cannot tell me where to locate it on the vehicle.

[busboy4]

Hi
I think it should be located on the "accordion" intake hose, tucked in possibly on the bottom. You should have the Mass Airflow Sensor, and IAT on that hose. I'm working on an '01 today. If I'm off base I'll post back.

On the '96 which I own it is simple to remove/replace and is not too expensive.

[busboy4]

Hi Again,

Well, I have taken this '01 down to the lower intake manifold (171/174 fix) and do not see it. Now, the MAF sensor which is in the hard plastic intake housing looks different than the one on my '96 and has what appears to be a small probe out in the airstream. I am guessing that they may have incorporated the IAT into the MAF. Unfortunately, that means a more expensive part.

As to part location, my Ford folks are always happy to print the "blow up" off of the computer to show component locations to me.

Let me know what you learn. I will be servicing this van in the future too.

Thanks

[12Ounce]

The MAF and the IAT are combined.

[JCWindstar]

Thanks for your input. I was thikning the same - that the IAT was incorporated into the MAF. What confused me was when the Ford parts dealer laid an IAT on the counter.

I asked the dealer where that part was supposed to be installed -- he could not tell me.

Is there another area where an IAT could be located to provide the PCM with the outside air temp? I have heard tell that some Ford vehicles locate one behind the front grill? Any ideas?

Thanks AGAIN!

[wiswind]

The temperature sensor will be in the air intake.
If it is in the flexible hose that goes from the throttle body....you will be able to find it by the electrical wires going to it.
If it is a part of the MAF, the wires might be a part of the other wires going into there......
A good parts couter at a dealership should have a computer that will show a blown up parts breakdown for your vehicle.
If they did not offer more help, try another dealership......

[JCWindstar]

wiswind - thanks for the pictures

I compared the MAF pics with the actual 2001 windstar MAF and the IAT sensor is definately incorporated into the MAF.

[12Ounce]

By the way, the IAT sensor is a thermistor. (I think the MAF is a resistor). A thermistor looks like a resistor, but is made of a mixture of carbon particles suspended in a resin body. Within limits, its resistance decreases with increases in temperature ... "un-resistor-like".

If you are inclined to repair the IAT yourself, you will find an exact match at Radio Shack ... or at least I did for my '99.

[JCWindstar]

THANKS ALL -- the posts were helpful and provided the answer I was needing.