Ranger gauge problem

FIREFREEMAN

MEMBER
FORD RANGER

Hey guys, I have a 1999 Ranger, 2 wheel drive, 90,000 miles. My problem is that the gauges do not read correctly. As soon as the engine is started, the temp gauge jumps to center and stays there, same with oil pressure. This has been going on for some time. Also the fan for the heat only works on the highest setting, any ideas? Thanks.

5 Replies

BOOTDOG

MECHANIC
665 POSTS

Does any other gauges seem faulty? Like the speedometer moving eracticly. If so look into replacing the speed sensor located on the differntial axle. The blower motor resistor needs changing in order to fix the problem with the fan speeds. The 2 are 2 totally different problems.

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Sunday, November 26th, 2006 AT 6:30 PM

FIREFREEMAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I replaced the speed sensor a couple of years ago after having the problem you described. The other gauges still act the same. Thanks for the info on the resistor.

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Monday, November 27th, 2006 AT 6:12 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,878 POSTS

With the engine off, key on, ground the connectors from the oil and temp gauges they should go to full up and then go to full down when disconnected. Let me know :D

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Monday, November 27th, 2006 AT 11:00 AM

FIREFREEMAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for the help. Not to sound like a complete idiot but how do I go about grounding the gauges? Do I just connect a spare piece of wire from the connector to the body? Also, how would I go about replacing the resistor on the fan motor. I am sure I could figure these things out given time, but I would appreciate your help. Thanks.

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Monday, November 27th, 2006 AT 8:53 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,878 POSTS

Disconnect the wire from the senders and ground them to a good ground source. Next the blower motor resistor is located in the heater box, either under the dash or under the hood.