With my Tribute, the idiots at the dealer put in a higher temp thermostat to try and solve a poor heat problem at the vents. The vent problem was gunk in the heater core, the higher thermostat ("Installed by trained techs" LOL!) introduced a new problem of the fan always running. The higher stat kept the temp sensor at a temp that forced the fans on, back to the factory spec thermo and the fans rarely come on.

There were no codes throughout my journey and I have access to a $$$ computer. From a cold start, I could see the water temp come up spec, yet the thermostat wasn't open because the out hose was cold? That's when I figured out the dealer fools didn't just "replace the thermostat", the installed a higher temp stat!

Without codes, and I doubt there are any, my first step would be too see that water temp.

My two best guesses are a faulty temp sensor or a bad thermostat that is opening too late and closing too early keeping the core water at "FANS ON!" temps.

 

Unless they first found a thermostat higher then 195F I would be curious what they used? Please look and see that unless something was modified 195F it the highest for a replacement. Also let's say you had a 180F and they installed a 195F what you described would not have happened.
If you look at the operating fan scale in your ECU you would understand what you claimed may be inaccurate?
One other thing, a 180F thermostat will still heat 100F + to the passenger compartment from the heater core just like a thermostat that is 195F. I suggest you look into how a HVAC system works and then go back to basics of how a thermostat operates. Then lastly learn about radiator fan control either by sensors or by ECU/PCM control
As for the "$$$" which I presume is the cost of the Diagnostic scanner you used, I can tell you that by you information the user missed a couple of areas, and it should have at least been mentioned!

And to be clear and i take this very to heart, (or offence) what does a "trained tech" represent to you. Did you see their certification hanging anywhere. Please don't tell me you didn't look. We who have them post them either in the shop area or in the main office so anyone can plainly see them. It not a requirement but rather exactly the same reason when you go to your doctor you see all his credentials.
Naturally we often see DIY guessing instead of doing the proper service tree of elimination by testing to eventually resolve a problem.

Well for me my FREE advice may be done on this thread?
ASE