Ok so a few days ago I noticed that my coolant temperature gauge is not making it all the way to the mid-way point. It stays right around 1/4 of the way up, even after driving for 30+ minutes.

I've checked the owner's manual, and it reads as follows:

"At normal operating temperature, the needle will be in the normal range (Between "H" and "C").

That literally doesn't help at all.

I haven't noticed a coolant leak or anything like that, and the truck is driving normally.

The heat in my truck still gets hot in a normal amount of time, so I'm thinking it's probably the sensor that is bad.

Am I wrong in thinking this? What are your opinions?

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2004 Ranger XLT
4.0 V6 4x4 Automatic
49K miles and 4.10 Gears

Bone stock as of right now, with the exception of plastidipped XLT emblems and wheels, a diamond plated Ultima toolbox, and the throttle cable mod

And I am NOT getting a check engine light, just in case that matters.

__________________
2004 Ranger XLT
4.0 V6 4x4 Automatic
49K miles and 4.10 Gears

Bone stock as of right now, with the exception of plastidipped XLT emblems and wheels, a diamond plated Ultima toolbox, and the throttle cable mod

i would replace the engine coolent temp sensor for the gauge i think theres two one for the gauge and one for the pcm there located on the lower intake in front of the engine below the throttle body

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the thermostat is cheap its like $10 depending on where u buy it from u should replace that too assuming that u never changed it

Yeah that's what I was planning on doing.

I've only had the truck for about 7 months (got it in April with 39k miles) and have put only about 5k miles on it, so I've never changed it.

__________________
2004 Ranger XLT
4.0 V6 4x4 Automatic
49K miles and 4.10 Gears

Bone stock as of right now, with the exception of plastidipped XLT emblems and wheels, a diamond plated Ultima toolbox, and the throttle cable mod

yea urs a 2004 so be very careful taking ur thermostat housing off they ten to strip bolt holes and there hard plastic and may break

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do u know how get a picture next to ur name wen ever u post something???? idk how to do that im new lol

Yeah, I've heard the are relatively fragile.

As far as the profile picture goes, go to "USER CP" up at the top, then on the left-hand side it will say "Edit Profile Picture". Click that then pick a picture from your computer.

__________________
2004 Ranger XLT
4.0 V6 4x4 Automatic
49K miles and 4.10 Gears

Bone stock as of right now, with the exception of plastidipped XLT emblems and wheels, a diamond plated Ultima toolbox, and the throttle cable mod

alright thanks man and good luck need any help let us know

Will do.

You should get a signature (like the one that shows up under my comments). It describes your truck so you don't have to explain what kind of engine you have or what year your truck is, or whether it's 4x4 or whatever when you ask a question on here.

Just a heads up!

__________________
2004 Ranger XLT
4.0 V6 4x4 Automatic
49K miles and 4.10 Gears

Bone stock as of right now, with the exception of plastidipped XLT emblems and wheels, a diamond plated Ultima toolbox, and the throttle cable mod

lol yea just figured how to do that

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98 ford ranger 4.0
4x4 neon interior lights
2 12in subs
further 5.0 project

So I haven't replaced anything for this problem yet, because I'm still unsure about what I should do.

The heat in the truck works fine. It gets nice and hot in a normal amount of time. If the thermostat was stuck open, the heat wouldn't be hot. If the thermostat was stuck closed, my engine would be overheating.

So it's not the thermostat.

I also don't think that the problem is the coolant temperature sensor. I am not getting the CEL.

I think the problem is the coolant temperature sending unit.

Does this sound like a proper diagnosis?

__________________
2004 Ranger XLT
4.0 V6 4x4 Automatic
49K miles and 4.10 Gears

Bone stock as of right now, with the exception of plastidipped XLT emblems and wheels, a diamond plated Ultima toolbox, and the throttle cable mod

If your heat really is good and hot, then yep.

__________________
(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

Nice. Thanks man.

I will be getting one after work today. Hopefully I can get home before it gets dark outside so I can replace this thing.

__________________
2004 Ranger XLT
4.0 V6 4x4 Automatic
49K miles and 4.10 Gears

Bone stock as of right now, with the exception of plastidipped XLT emblems and wheels, a diamond plated Ultima toolbox, and the throttle cable mod

There will be two of them. One with two wires for the gauge. The other with multiple wires is for the computer.

__________________
(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

Excellent.

And these are the two located directly on top of the thermostat housing, right?

__________________
2004 Ranger XLT
4.0 V6 4x4 Automatic
49K miles and 4.10 Gears

Bone stock as of right now, with the exception of plastidipped XLT emblems and wheels, a diamond plated Ultima toolbox, and the throttle cable mod

Yes sir.

__________________
(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide