I'd like to post on here that I just bought a new Ranger...but I can't.
I needed something to drive to work, so I bought a 1996 2.3 5 speed, regular cab with 180K on the odometer. It was owned by a mechanic and runs great with just one minor problem. The gas and oil pressure (idiot light) gauges don't work. I also miss having a tach.

If you seasoned Ranger guys could answer a couple questions, it would really help.
1. Does the stock wiring harness for the instrument cluster have the connections for a tach?
2. What are the chances that a new dash will fix my gas gauge issue?

I found the video on here about removing the gauge cluster to replace lights and figure it is something I can do. Are the Explorer and Ranger clusters interchangeable?
Thanks for any help!
Love my Ranger.

Welcome to FRF!

Here are two links to help you use the forum:
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/site-...ger-forum.html
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-t...-pictures.html

You can switch the style of this forum to a light theme by going to http://www.fordrangerforum.com/profi...do=editoptions and scrolling down the last option of "forum skin" and selecting light. You can switch back and forth anytime.

Please insert a signature with information on your truck by going here:
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/profi...=editsignature

We have three contests you can participate in, which you can view here:
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/contests/

Our how-to guides are a great way to begin customizing your truck, view them here:
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-tos/

Also, if you're interested in forum stickers, shirts, or ford merchandise visit the FRF store here:
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/store

__________________
I'm a bot that works for FRF. So please don't PM or ask me questions. I'm not that kind of program!

You shouldn't have any issues finding a cluster from your era ranger with a teach and working gauges. IIRC most all of the rangers are wired for a tach, if not its as simple as running a wire.

As far as your gauges not working, its likely a new cluster would fix the issue (provided the new cluster has working gauges). If not, its as easy as replacing a sending unit for the oil.. the sending unit for the fuel gauge is actually located in the fuel pump though.. so you'd wind up replacing the entire assembly.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

__________________
2001 Ford Ranger Supercab (4dr), Oxford White, 4.0 Sohc, 4x4, Manual trans (hurst equipped), 4:10's, 3" body lift.

Yes, certain year explorer gauges do interchange with rangers. I've heard that some rangers without a tach can hook up to a cluster with a tach and everything will work perfectly. The gas isn't an idiot gauge but the oil pressure is. The new cluster could fix the gauges if it is a cluster problem, or you could have sensor issues. I plan on putting in a 03 fx4 silver cluster since in 02 they were black. When I do this I would be happy to sell you mine. All gauges are functional and it has a tach.

__________________

Welcome to FRF!!

__________________
Fx4 levelII
enough^^ said
t-bar cranked 33x10.5x15 bfg all terrain ko2-15x8 pro comp 7031- blacked out headlight and corners mustang dome Westin brushguard March 2014 TOTM

welcome to FRF, Steve!

__________________
2001 Ranger Edge 4x4 (sold)
2006 F150 Lariat 4x4 (sold)
2007 Explorer XLT (Destroyed by Deer on highway)
2014 Explorer XLT (inherited from parents)

Thanks, does anyone know what years of clusters are straight swaps on both the Ranger and Explorers with the 1996 Ranger? Even if it doesn't cure the gas gauge problem, I'd still be happy. Right now, I just fill up every 300 miles and reset the trip odometer.

Welcome!

I'm in much the same boat.... 300 miles, refill, reset odo. I just bought a fuel float from ford and I'm gonna go see if that fixes my fuel gauge. Also looking for a cluster with a tach. Rediculous ford did not include something so basic on these trucks!

__________________
1994 Ranger Longbed - 2.3L - 5 speed - RWD - 285,000 mi

As I was expecting, the float was corroded and sunk to the bottom.

Ford part COAZ-9202-B cost me about $19 with tax at the stealership, did the trick in my case.

__________________
1994 Ranger Longbed - 2.3L - 5 speed - RWD - 285,000 mi

Welcome to FRF!!

__________________
White 2011 XL Reg Cab | Tint | 2.3L | Daily

2001 Ford F250 4x4 lariat 7.3L | Tint | 5" turbo back exhaust | Riff Raff 6637 intake | Hydra | Glowshift gauges | 6.5 lift | 20x14 | 36x15.50's

As for the cluster, all I can tell you is 1994 and older are incompatible with your truck. Pretty sure some years used the same cluster but different wiring, so just eyeballing may not be an accurate way to tell... I doubt a 96 will be very hard to find at a junk yard, that's the route I would go.

__________________
1994 Ranger Longbed - 2.3L - 5 speed - RWD - 285,000 mi

Adam, 285K on that little 2.3 is impressive. I wonder who on here has the most miles on their motor? I had a 93 Ranger 4cyc 5 sp and regretted giving it to my son-in-law, so after 6 years, I bought this one. Handy little truck with good mileage.

My cousin put 500,000 on his 4.0 OHV.

He diddnt take care of it that well and it barely ran but its still goin.

__________________

Welcome to FRF!!!

__________________
2003 Ford Ranger 4 Door 4x4 FX4 4.0L
2015 Ford Focus

Welcome to the forum!