I have a 2003 Sable - Duratec 3.0 DOHC 24 valve engine. Was taking out what I thought was the Electronic Coolant Temperature sensor, but when it came out it was different in appearance than the new one as can be seen in the photo. Has the old one been broken with the tip left in the hole? Or have I removed some other sensor?

Thank you!

 

the item you removed is called the "engine coolant sender" . The ECT engine coolant sensor is threaded into the thermostat housing. The sender is usually for the temp gauge and the ECT sensor reports the coolant temp to the ECM.