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06-15-2010, 05:24 AM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 1
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Potential Thermostat Problem
I own a 2002 Ford Ranger, 4 cyl.
The heat/cold meter on the dash is not working. Never gets above Cold. However the truck is not over heating. A friend told me that my thermostat might need replaced. I have been reading the forum on replacing thermostats and notice that there are two different statements about where and what the thermostat looks like. One is a simple thermostat and one is part of a housing.
Which is one for the 2002 Ford Ranger, 4 cyl. Anybody. I sure do appreciate.
Mike
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2002 Ford Ranger, 4cyl. Mike
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06-15-2010, 05:33 AM
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Ford Motor Company
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 125
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Re: Potential Thermostat Problem
The 2.3 is known for running pretty cold. mine never makes it out of the first 1/4 of the needles sweep. So you may not actually have a problem. If its not heating up enough to go into closed loop it should probably be throwing a code. If its not I wouldn't worry about it...
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92 Ranger XLT 2.3L I4 w/ 5 speed manual. Bone Stock, looking to mod when funds allow.
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06-15-2010, 06:12 AM
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Blinded by the light
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,674
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Re: Potential Thermostat Problem
I can't speak for what the needle on the dash of a 2.3 should be reading. But all other factors should be similar to any other engine. After the engine is running and you've been out driving (so it should be warmed up), feel the upper radiator hose. It should be HOT. Like 180-190 degrees hot. It should also be "hard" so you can't squeeze it in very far. If it isn't, then the t-stat is probably not closing like it should and not allowing the engine to maintain proper temp.
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06-15-2010, 06:32 AM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 13
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Re: Potential Thermostat Problem
I just change mine PITA,open the heater to see if there is any hot air coming out,if is not hot enouht,can be the thermo if thas the temp unit is acting up,my 2c i hope it help.Joe-
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06-15-2010, 09:07 AM
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OIF Veteran
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 6,044
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Re: Potential Thermostat Problem
Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger
I can't speak for what the needle on the dash of a 2.3 should be reading. But all other factors should be similar to any other engine. After the engine is running and you've been out driving (so it should be warmed up), feel the upper radiator hose. It should be HOT. Like 180-190 degrees hot. It should also be "hard" so you can't squeeze it in very far. If it isn't, then the t-stat is probably not closing like it should and not allowing the engine to maintain proper temp.
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thats actually oposite of what it should be. the thermostat is in a closed position untill the engine reaches 180-190 degrees and then it opens to allow the coolant to enter and flow through the radiator. if the thermostat fails to open the upper hose will remain cool and will not be pressurized and that would also mean the engine would be over heating becuase the hot coolant from the engine is unable to reach the radiator to be cooled. thermostats are designed to fail in the open position (but they dont always do though) to avoid that situation wich could explain why it may be running to cold. if the thermostat is always open the engine will not reach the right operating temp.
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2001 Ranger 4x4 Stepside
-RCD Suspension lift
-33x12.5 BFG KM2's on Mickey Thomson classic locks
-4:56 gears
-Auburn gear LS
-James Duff traction bars
-Headers
-Flowmaster duals
-SCT X-Cal2 and some small exterior mods
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2321189
2005 F-150 Lariat 4x4
- LED third brake light
-Weathertech floor liners
-Edge tuner
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06-15-2010, 09:15 AM
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Blinded by the light
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,674
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Re: Potential Thermostat Problem
Isn't that what I just said?
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06-15-2010, 09:17 AM
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OIF Veteran
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 6,044
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Re: Potential Thermostat Problem
Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger
Isn't that what I just said?
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thats not how i read it. maybe im dumb lol
EDIT: yeah just read it again, i must have read it backwards or something. ha ha its been a long day at work, my bad. lol
__________________
2001 Ranger 4x4 Stepside
-RCD Suspension lift
-33x12.5 BFG KM2's on Mickey Thomson classic locks
-4:56 gears
-Auburn gear LS
-James Duff traction bars
-Headers
-Flowmaster duals
-SCT X-Cal2 and some small exterior mods
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2321189
2005 F-150 Lariat 4x4
- LED third brake light
-Weathertech floor liners
-Edge tuner
Last edited by 01_ranger_4x4; 06-15-2010 at 09:19 AM.
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06-15-2010, 09:20 AM
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Blinded by the light
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,674
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Re: Potential Thermostat Problem
Haha. Ok, at least I'm not totally losing my mind (moreso than I already have...)
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06-18-2010, 04:38 PM
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Liking the Ford Ranger Forum
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 19
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Re: Potential Thermostat Problem
i read that the 2.3 needs a hotter thermostat. the temp in my truck never seems get a tad above "cold". if u google '2.3 performance' this guy built up a 2.3 and said to replace the thermostat with the hottest one u can find, like a 190 or 195, stock is 170 or 180.
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04-25-2011, 11:43 AM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 8
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Re: Potential Thermostat Problem
I have a 2002 2.3L DOHC and finally got fed up with the lack of temp control from the thermostat with the electric heater (common to 2001, 2002 and 2003 Rangers with the 4 cyl engines). I replaced it with the non-electric assembly used in 2004+ Rangers and paid ~$30 on Amazon. I saved ~$100 and fooled the computer by adding a 1200 Ohm 1/4 Watt resistor across the two connector leads so it doesn't show shorted or open. There is no CEL and the temperature now heats upo quickly and remains constant on the gauge. The old thermostat had failed: the seal around the valve seat had ripped, the plastic directing the heat had cracked and the electric heater was corroded.
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03-22-2013, 09:26 PM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 4
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Re: Potential Thermostat Problem
I hate my electrica thermostat. Too many quirks. I have replaced it and it still doesnt seem to be functioning properly. I like the idea of changing it out for the 04 thermostat. Just curious how that worked out for you. Also, how did you connect the resistor? Any details would be fantastic!
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2002 2.3L, Stick- w/AC. 160,000 miles.
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