To find it, you'll need to:
1. Consult a repair manual specific to your year and model Ford: This is the most reliable method. A Haynes or Chilton manual will show you a diagram and precise location.
2. Look closely at the cylinder head: The temperature sending unit is typically a small sensor with one or two wires connected to it. It's often near the thermostat housing or near the intake manifold, but its position is not standardized. It might have a single wire for the gauge or two wires if it also feeds the computer (ECM).
3. Follow the wires: If you can locate the wire going to your temperature gauge, trace it back to its source. This will lead you directly to the sensor.
Caution: Be careful when working around the engine. Let the engine cool completely before attempting to locate the sensor.
Without knowing the exact year and model of your Ford vehicle with the 2.3L engine, I cannot provide a more precise location. Using a repair manual is strongly recommended.
