Temperature Sensor: Newer Head on Older Cherokee

[robo448]

Where do I connect the temperature sensor on a newer Jeep Cherokee head? It's the one that should go to the sensor on the dash board.

I had the 96 head replaced by one mechanic and they used a newer Cherokee head (98 or 99) and had to mount the temperature sensor on the thermostate housing.

I took my Cherokee to a 2nd mechanic to replace the radiator and he also replaced the faulty thermastat housing, but now the 2nd mechanic mounted the temperature sensor to the engine block and my dash light keeps turning on and also turning on the check engine light.

Both mechanics are saying the other mechanic needs to fix the issue and neither one is admitting it's their issue. Where do I install the temperature sendor on the new head so it doesn't turn on the 96 engine temperature light and check engine light?

[bluedragon436]

When you had the temp sensor on the T-stat housing, did it flag any lights?? When we threw a newer head on an older 4.0 in a friend's YJ we used the T-stat housing and it worked just fine. Just make sure that they didn't run the wires to the T-stat housing near the exhaust manifold or anything else that might damage the wires... Other than that, I'd keep it on the T-stat housing like the newer heads setup is, and like the first mechanic did, if it was working that is...

[4.3LXJ]

The temp sensor on the 96 goes on the tstat housing. You at this point might want to make sure it is the right sending unit, which may be why you are getting the CEL. Also get someone to read the code for free like Autozone and make sure this is the issue and not some other thing.

[Carves]

X 2 with 4.3LXJ about the right sensor and sender.

The one in the t'stat housing should be for the PCM ...
The one in the rear of the head - for the gauge or warning light ... can be relocated anywhere it can dip its toes in flowing, hot coolant.

... using a fitting in the rad top hose or heater hose is preferable to the T-junction setup on the t'stat housing.

[robo448]

Thanks to all who replied to my post. Your replies really helped clear things up.