2005 Tribute S 3.0

Replaced the thermostat, flushed and replaced coolant and reset the code but it comes back. Also the temp guage is bottomed out. Going to replace the coolant temp sensor. How does that sensor come off? Was told it doesn't, that you have to buy the part it's mounted on. That doesn't sound right since I can get the sensor at Auto Zone. Does it rotate counter clockwise, or am I not seeing a clip or something?

 

have a look at the new sensor in a store. On the pictures I could see a hex on the base of the sensor, but I did not see a thread.

I looked at a few videos and all of them use a socket wrench to pull it out.

I like Richpin's video, even though it is on a Saturn:

 

Thanks for the response. Watched the video, however the sensor on the Tribute is L shaped, can't use a socket.

 

It looks like a bayonet connector: Push in and twist.
I hope someone can verify this.

 

FYI - Sensor is removed simply by rotaing counter clockwise. It's a snug fit so you have to really twist to get it to release. New sensor on, all problems solved. Thanks for the input.