Just purchased a FX4 over a Lariat because the engine gauges were clustered together and easier to read. This is my first Ford, I've been driving Chevy's for the last 25 years.

It took about 2 days to realize the gauges were cosmetic and always point to optimum operating conditions when the engine is running. The volt meter shows a charge when the engine is off and all accessories and headlights are on and the oil gauge never moves in response to changing temperatures or engine speed. Both gauges go to exactly the same spot everytime.

Is the temp gauge also rigged to not move until it's too late? Is there a fix for the gauges to get them to do what most buyers expect them to do in the first place?

 

Ford has been doing this at least since 1997. The oil pressure gauge in my '97 F-150 is fed by a pressure switch installed set at 4 psi (if I remember correctly). Pressure indicates mid-band until less than 4 psi and then the gauge goes to zero. I'm sure the temp gauge is similar. The only way to fix it would be to replace the installed sensor/switch with an analog sender - if available.