Ford Repair: Contour engine coolant sensor, coolant temperature sensor, engine coolant temperature

Question
My 98 contour popped up with the OBD error P0117 (engine coolant temperature circuit low input) (my friend has an OBD). Just prior to that I noticed the engine fan running like crazy and the thermostat reading totally maxed out. My AC was also not working, all of a sudden.

Any ideas how to fix this? Is this just going to be a faulty coolant temperature sensor? Is this feasible for an "DIY oil, filters, plugs, and brake change guy" to fix, or is it going to require difficult things that I'd likely not be able to handle.

Answer
Hello Bill,
    It sounds to me like the engine is actually too hot. The computer runs the fan on high, shuts the a/c off, and sets the code if hot enough. Verify coolant level and circulation. A good way to check that is to have the coolant reservoir full cold, run the engine for a little while and feel all of the hoses. If the temp gauge is going up fairly fast and the fan comes on, but there is no heat coming off of the radiator, that means the water is not circulating. No circulation can be caused by a stuck closed thermostat or a water pump not turning/impeller gone. Check all those things and feel free to follow up. Good luck, and I hope this helps you!   Shaun.