Changed the coolant on my new Ef fairmont today because the coolant light was on. The lights still on, and the temp is still sitting on the R on the normal sign... so about half way and when it goes up to O the thermo's kick in. Is this alright? where does everyone who owns an Ef temp sit

is it the coolant level light or the coolant temp light??
eitherway its not overheating, depending on what warning light is on, its either the coolant level float in the header tank(if it has one fitted) or the coolant temp sensor. anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 on the gauge is pretty normal.

Sounds like you have a hole in the float of the level switch. Also the temp is on the high side of 1/2 way, not so good, should only get up to M at the most, mine will run at Mid M on a hot day, normally about mid A at max.

i agree change your coolant sensor ,
also too hot maybe get a new radiator before the weather gets hotter yours is probably blocked

mine sits about the n on normal

mine sits on _the bottom line exact,
in hot humid weather flooring it in traffic goes up to the top of L
it used to be and go higher when it had a blown head gasket ,i fixed that it got lower than i replaced the hoses and radiator ,heater tap ,water pump,thermostat,temp sensor and it sits like i said _

anywhere in the word normal. is considered normal..

My EL gets to L but in 34 degree heat towing a trailer it got to A.

hey guys i have this same issue awhile ago now. it was actually the radiator giving me all the dramas after i replace it. it doesnt get near the L on normal but before i replace the radiator it use to get up to the N on a warm day and sit on the R on a normal day. i change hoses etc and it still sat on the R until i replace the radiator. so i hope this gives u an idea.

it has a brand new radiator, new hoses, new therm fans and I thought thermo.... the car dealers tried what they could to get the coolant level sensor off. I was reading on here last night about the Ef's thermostat's have a tendancy to stick open. Now I have been doing long hours, got the car this Sunday just gone and worked 14 hours yesterday before replacing the coolant. I also had on my mind that I had to get up at 4am this morning for work and it was going to be another long day and my 2 year old is testing my patience at all hours of the night.....anyway checked this morning before leaving and I had completely missed the coolant running from the thermo from cold start. after dropping $50 out the bottom radiator hose and replacing the thermo and coolant again ( new radiator dont have a drain plug), the car after sitting idling for 20 minutes with the odd rev looked like possible moving to the higher end of the L, but sat comfortable on the lower end of the L. Sensor light is still on, but would bet my balls its the sensor on the res as it has a bit of corrosion on the outside of the plug. Also got new plugs, oil and oil filter to do this weekend as a just in case. Man I love this car. It is so much more toweyer than the El wagon. Be doing the sound system this weekend to if the missus lets me, so will have to drop a build thread on here with some pic's. She is SO clean for a 17 year old car! Thanks for the advise guys, helpful fordmoders as always