The ect sensor on my 01 Escort zx2 is a screw in type but the one we bought doesn't look the same. We can't find one anywhere that looks like the one we got out of the car. I bought the car used and we found lettering on the engine that makes us think it has been replaced and we have no idea what year model the motor may be. How can we find out what model the motor is and/or how to find the correct ect sensor.

You need to have a repair shop diagnose the problem

Automobiles: 2000 Ford Escort ZX2 4-cylinder 2.0L MFI DOHC

NOTE
The "left" side of the engine is the driver's side.

The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor (a device which changes resistance or voltage as temperature changes). The sensor detects the temperature of engine coolant and provides a corresponding signal to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module - aka "the car's computer").

The ECT sensor is mounted in the following locations (small Ford engines):

1.8L engines: in the cylinder head
1.9L engines: threaded into the heater hose inlet pipe
2.0L engines: at the left rear of the engine

2.0L Zetec Engine

(1) Partially drain the engine cooling system using a clean container. If coolant is in good condition, retain for reuse.
(2) Disconnect the battery ground cable.
(3) Disconnect the electrical wiring connector from the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
(4) Remove the retaining clip and the ECT sensor.




Fig. 1 Escort ZX2 ECT sensor - The retaining clip is removed (at the solid arrow). Withdraw ECT sensor by gently wiggling/pulling in the direction of the dashed arrow.

To install:

NOTE
Coat the ECT sensor O-ring with clean coolant prior to installation.

(1) Replace the retaining clip and the ECT sensor.
(2) Connect the electrical wiring connector from the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
(3) Connect the battery ground cable.
(4) Refill the engine cooling system. An inexpensive plastic "Radiator Funnel" will help with this task.

just in front of that flange area sticking straight up is the o2 sensor. have to raise vehicle up to access

Thanks for choosing FixYa and welcome to the site.Have you noticed if your car is overheating at all? Have you checked your cap and rotor?

The later models of the ZX2 used a push in sensor with a retaining pin. You remove that pin and pull the sensor out. So far I haven't found a part store that carries that type and have had to get the sensor from the dealer.

This sensor is built into the mass air sensor.

they are ahrd to remove. spray wth penetrating oilf or a week. then use a small slide hammer. screw a screw in the center to pull on. Took me 4 hours. Also, a hot air gun to heat the aluminum case helps. Must be hot like a craft heat tool from Joanne Fabrics. $35 or rent a heat tool for paint. no flame type, just hot air.

For some reason aftermarket ECT's just don't play well with the ZX2. Get one from Ford or the junk yard.

not sure but you can go to autozone.com and sign up then put make,model and year of your car and it will show you a diagram..just look for diagram of your car motor..

Yes, All the years of the ZX2 utilize the same engine. 1998-2003 are all the same except for ECU programing and the MAF wiring. You should not have a problem.