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Old 05-05-2016, 07:24 AM
tigbitties tigbitties is offline
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Join Date: May 2016
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Default Engine temp guage issue

Hey all, this is my first post so forgive me if I make a mistake in posting this. I have a '95 Ranger XLT 2.3 manual, and the engine temp guage is reading cold. I've changed the thermostat, coolant temp sensor, and flushed the cooling system and the motor feels like its warming up fine, but the guage will not move very far from the bottom. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
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Tryin to bring a 1995 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3 manual back to life
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Old 05-05-2016, 07:01 PM
Graybeanz Graybeanz is offline
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Default Re: Engine temp guage issue

I'm not sure, but are the coolant temp sensor and temperature sender the same thing? For a long time, the gauge on my '94 2.3l read wrong/nothing as well. I bought the $3-5 part at Advance Auto and then couldn't find the dang thing for ages. I finally found it on the side of the engine and replaced it and it's worked fine ever since.
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Old 05-05-2016, 08:27 PM
RangerPhil RangerPhil is offline
2003 3.0 Ranger 4x2
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
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Mine never goes above this hot on the gauge. Weird! No problems that I can identify though:
M
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2003 XLT 3L V6 Flex Fuel engine. 4x2. Coil Springs. 31x10.5r15 tires on stock 15x7 chrome plated rims. 160,000 miles.
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Old 05-06-2016, 05:43 AM
tomw0 tomw0 is offline
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Default Re: Engine temp guage issue

The gauges are not accurate enough, or the sending units, to know if there's a problem without using a thermometer. You can direct a non-contact thermometer at the thermostat housing or upper radiator hose to get an idea of the coolant temperature.
With a 195F thermostat, the temperature should be near or just above that number. The thermostat should cycle to regulate coolant flow to keep the coolant near that temperature. Below, it will get poorer fuel economy, above, it can damage things.
The variable resistor that signals the temperature gauge is mounted on the drivers side of the block, above the oil filter. It will have one push-on type connector. If you ground that connector with the key ON, the gauge should go to full HOT if the gauge, wiring, and regulated voltage are good.
tom
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Old 05-06-2016, 06:17 AM
RangerPhil RangerPhil is offline
2003 3.0 Ranger 4x2
 
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Super helpful- gonna try that to verify its working. Thanks- I don't know how to ground it, but YouTube will help me with that
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