Temperature guage doesn't move

[G-Man]

I recently changed the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on my 2000 2.5L 5 speed ranger and ever since I changed it, the temp gauge on the dash doesn't move at all. Changing the ECT solved my stalling problems of when cold. First ECT installed was bad out of the box. Any ideas of why temp gauge doesn't move since changing the ECT?

G-Man

 

[tomw]

The gauge sensor is a single pin sender mounted into the side of the block, almost directly above the oil filter. If you ground the wire with the ignition ON, the gauge should peg almost instantly. If it does, you may need a new sensor, or to tighten the connector that pushes onto the sensor post.
tom

 

[RonD]

In 2000 the 2.5l should have BOTH ECTs located next to each other on the front side of the engine
ECT Sensor was always 2 wires, and it was only used by the computer
ECT Sender was 1 wire, but in late 1990s most were 2 wires, it is only used by the dash board gauge.

ECT Sensor has a cone shaped tip
ECT Sender has a cylinder shaped tip
They are not interchangeable

My guess would be the SENDER got unplugged

Diagram of location here: https://www.justanswer.com/ford/2zzfo-themostat-located-2000-ford-ranger-2-5.html

Sensor has a Light Green and a Grey wire
Sender a Red and a Black wire