my temp, fuel, and fuel gauges do not work. how can i get them working

Asked by niels Apr 13, 2011 at 09:41 PM about the 1989 Ford Ranger

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

dash board gauges

12 Answers

255

This is a problem with Ford Rangers.In 90% of the cases the problem lies with the instruments themselves.But as far as diagnostics go you should check the basics i.e the tank unit for the fuel gauge and the coolant temperature sensor for the temp gauge.Lets deal with the temp gauge first.If you can obtain an ohm dekade you can connect it to the sensor connectors and simulate a temperature since the sensor is an NTC one(Negative temperature coefficient) meaning that resistance and temperature are inversely proportional.When you simulate and the gauge works i.e after you check the wiring properly then the problem will be the sensor.If it doesnt work then its the gauge itself.The same applies to the fuel gauge only that now the resistance is varied by the float moving the variable resistor.If you would like more clarification then holla back!!

23 people found this helpful.

bad cluster,bad temp sensor it has 2 one for computer one for gauge,fuel as other ooster said bad sending unit in gas tank,or a blown gauge fuse.

17 people found this helpful.
220

The problem lies with a connection in the wire harness up above the clutch pedal. You can reach up there and make sure it is inserted. Your problem will be gone. If it happens to me now, maybe every 20000 km I just kick my foot up from the clutch and everything starts working again. I have talked to many Ford ranger owners who have the same problem but for some reason no one has this fix on line. It really is that simple. All your gauges including your speedometer will stop. Your fuel gauge will keep working and your check engine light will come on, most of your warnings will come on and if you stop the engine it will not start until you reseat the harnesses or in my case kick it. That's it, no real problem.

22 people found this helpful.
20

Thanks GuruV You called it. Can't do it with my foot, but reaching down with my right hand to the harness just under the right crack of the metal cover and wiggling the wires in that harness made my battery light flicker and both the temp guage and gas guage go fill deflection, and the engine started without a hesitation. I had before replaced both fuel pumps, in line and in tank and was thinkin I'd hafta do'em again and wasn't sure what to do about the temp guage, so thanks

2 people found this helpful.
340

Ok what if everything but speedometer and tack is not working.It starts and runs ok but no fuel gauge or temperature gauge or oil pressure gauge And idk if this matters but no running lights either

16 people found this helpful.
340

My truck starts and runs but fuel gauge temperature gauge and oil pressure gauge does not work IDK if this matters or not but my running lights don't work either

18 people found this helpful.
220

Ok here's one for you. My gas guage and temp guage does not work unless I take out the abs fuse. But when I do that the abs light comes on. So how can I get all my guage working and not have to take that fuse out

22 people found this helpful.
130

I’m also having problems with temp and fuel gauge not working...

13 people found this helpful.
120

my speedometer and fuel gauges wont move even after replacing the cluster, why wont it read my speed? i know the tank probably needs a new floater.

12 people found this helpful.
90

Guys please i received so much information, let me tell you my problem, i have a 4 liter V6 2007 model, the fuel guage stays on full when you turn the ignition on, the temp meter goes immediately to the normal position, even if the Ranger is cold, the rev counter after switching off come down and stay on 500 rpm Please is there anyone out there to give me the proper advice, kindly mail me to janvanzyl139@gmail.com unfortunately im in SA, Ford SA told me that that cluster for my Ranger was discontinued. Kindly assist me please

9 people found this helpful.
20

Hope someone can help, my 2006 2.5 XLT temperature guage keeps jumping up and down...When I put my foot down and drive faster the guage rises but never more that say a quarter upwards and when I slow down the temp gauge drops again....

2 people found this helpful.

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