Dravec
Unashamed 400 addict. Best. Trucks. Ever.
I'm inclined to believe that you've been getting the wrong piece from AutoZone. I think the part that you should have been sold is the coolant temp sensor, part number SU109. But I'm not 100% sure. I've been out of that game for almost 5 years.
Visually, I think the one you got from O'Reilly's appears to be the correct part. The black top on the sensor is colored different to the grey switch for this exact reason. I honestly believe the AZ employee made a mistake and picked switch instead of sensor. Do you have a pic of the plug end of the old one?
I've always installed these sensors with a wrench to preven side loading and breaking thr plastic. Dunno if that is actually a reason for your problems though.
And I know for a fact that Duralast engine electronics are manufactured by Wells Electronics. Talked to a factory rep one time.
Visually, I think the one you got from O'Reilly's appears to be the correct part. The black top on the sensor is colored different to the grey switch for this exact reason. I honestly believe the AZ employee made a mistake and picked switch instead of sensor. Do you have a pic of the plug end of the old one?
I've always installed these sensors with a wrench to preven side loading and breaking thr plastic. Dunno if that is actually a reason for your problems though.
And I know for a fact that Duralast engine electronics are manufactured by Wells Electronics. Talked to a factory rep one time.