Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2007 Ford RV Cutaway, 2007 Ford Pickup, 2007 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2007 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2007 Ford Econoline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The ECT sensor is a thermistor device in which resistance changes with temperature. The electrical resistance of a thermistor decreases as the temperature increases, and resistance increases as the temperature decreases. The varying resistance affects the voltage drop across the sensor terminals and provides electrical signals to the PCM corresponding to temperature.
If the PCM receives a high engine temperature signal from the ECT, it adjusts fueling rates to protect the engine from damage due to overheating.