and you say that a bad temp sensor can cause wierd electrical problems as well??

 

A bad temp sensor will only cause it to crank normally but won't start, if the starter isn't cranking like it should i would be looking at the battery ground cable.

 

Okay, I'm picking up a green coolant temp sensor from the dealer today and will try toinstall it tonight. Do I need any special tools?? Does it twist out or do I just pull on it?

I'll givean update after the install to let everyone knowhow it went.

 

does anyone know if the sensor is connected to a plug that is blue in color with 4 wires?

 

There is only a clip holding it in, pull the clip out and pull the sensor straight up and out.
Make sure the coolant resivior cap is ON or almost all of the coolant will come out.
When installing the new sensor get the o-ring on there right and when pushing in the locking clip try pulling up on the sensor and make sure its in there good.

 

well it turns out the old sensor is the blue one, not the black one. So I'll have to go to the dealer and swap my new green one for a new blue one. Did the blue one replace the black one some years ago as well??

 

If it fits the electrical connector use it, as long as its not the black one your're golden.
The green one has been the replacement for a while now, but i have seen some blue ones in the parts bin showing up now so its probably the superseeded sensor, i would say if it fits try it out.

 

I have the same problem... along with some other faults... but last time i got the dealership to check out my car fully, they told me the control moldule was turning faulty... but their mechanics told me to not replace it until i had to cuz the unit alone is over $400... not sure if that may be the cause of your problems..just throwing that out there i guess. I'm planning to get my car checked out again sometime... so we'll see.

 

I checked it out, the blue top sensor will work for the 2.8L engine.
Did you already install it?

 

Not yet, I called my dealer parts guy and he said they havea darker green coolant sensor with the square end that apparently came after the blue sensor....so it looks like I'm golden. I'm picking it up today after work and installing tonight.

Thanks for all the help auditech79!!