Gauges reading Incorrectly
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Gauges reading Incorrectly
I have 1 more problem with my 93' Ranger 2.3L 5Sp manual 4x2 that I was wondering if anyone could help me with. Some of my guages are reading incorrectly or not at all. The speedometer in the truck is bouncing when accelerating and seems to get further off true speed as I accelerate. The biggest difference I have noticed has been about 10mph slow (going 75 when it was reading 65). The other problem I have is that my fuel guage is completely dead...no reading at all on it. I have noticed some fuel stains on the side of the tank after I fill up and was wondering if that would have any effect on the guage. Again thanks for everyones help and attention to make these things read right.
Sry...the only thing I have changed so far have been fuses for the guages to see if they weren't getting power. Tks
Sry...the only thing I have changed so far have been fuses for the guages to see if they weren't getting power. Tks
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: South Jersey
The speedometer might be a bad cable, you could try lubricating it.
The fuel gauge problem is probably the sendor. try disconnecting the wire at the sendor and grounding it, turn the key on, it should go to full. If it does the sendor is bad and you'll have to replace it, remove the bed, don't drop the tank.
The fuel gauge problem is probably the sendor. try disconnecting the wire at the sendor and grounding it, turn the key on, it should go to full. If it does the sendor is bad and you'll have to replace it, remove the bed, don't drop the tank.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Homer, Alaska
Does the speedometer make any noises while you are driving it? Usually a high pitched whine that oscillates indicates a dirty or bad speedo cable. If no noises, it might the the speedo head. I haven't looked inside the newer ones, but the heads I am familiar with use a couple of magnets rotating inside a small drum to make the needle move. Maybe it just needs to be cleaned. For the gas guage, check it as Ken stated. That will tell the tale.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia
As for your gas gauge.... some of the Ford guys at the dealer said the float in the tank on the sending unit can fill with gas and sink to the bottom so there is no reading. I don't know if this is true, but I replaced the float when my tank was down for about $5. It reads full now, too bad I can't get it started. 
Oh yea, and like the other guys said...... bouncing speedo is usually a bad cable. You can also check that little plastic gear on the end of the cable in the trans.
Oh yea, and like the other guys said...... bouncing speedo is usually a bad cable. You can also check that little plastic gear on the end of the cable in the trans.
Last edited by G2IC_Wraith; Apr 20, 2004 at 09:14 PM.
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Thans for the info...I have a few more questions though...I am a newb when it comes to vechile electrical work although I do electrical work for my profession. where can I access the sending wire for the fuel guage at the top of the tank?? And no the speedometer makes no strange noises at all while driving at all could that still be the cable in that case?? Thx for the info and I will try more into the electrical diagrams with my book to see if I can't find these units.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia
I just noticed you said you have a 93'. I know that most Rangers up to 91' or 92' was a cable driven speedo. There is a little gear on the end of a cable that connects to the trans. Mine was in the back 1/3 of the trans up high. With a 93' and no noise??? 93' may have been electrical speed sensor. I have read other posts that say you need to replace the speed sensor if it is all electric. I just had my tank out too and yes there are a handfull of wires on the top of the tank. I don't know, but there must be a better location to test them.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
Originally Posted by G2IC_Wraith
I just noticed you said you have a 93'. I know that most Rangers up to 91' or 92' was a cable driven speedo. There is a little gear on the end of a cable that connects to the trans. Mine was in the back 1/3 of the trans up high. With a 93' and no noise??? 93' may have been electrical speed sensor. I have read other posts that say you need to replace the speed sensor if it is all electric. I just had my tank out too and yes there are a handfull of wires on the top of the tank. I don't know, but there must be a better location to test them.
Does this fit your symptoms? "all gauges erratic, high or low" If it does, then check the engine to body ground strap for a clean tight connection.
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Got the fuel guage fixed. I ripped off the bed yesterday and was able to access the top of the tank easily and I think that was the way to go, dropping the actual tank seemed like a huge pain in the ^&%. Tks Ken for the idea to remove the bed. The problem with my guage wasn't the sending unit, my guage deflected to full with the connector off of the fuel tank with the KOEO. What it ended up being was the float, it had a crack in it and was filled with gas, and was sticking to the bottom of the tank hence the reading of always empty on the guage. While I was in there I just replaced the entire thing. The sending unit and float alone were $118.00 and the sending unit, float, pump, screen was only $128.00 so I opted to replace everything. I think I did the right thing since the truck is 11 years old and from the condition of the old sending unit assembly it was probably going to go out soon enough. If anyone needs help doing something similar to there truck let me know I have a good procedure for it now. Tks for everyones help.
Mazz
Mazz
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Virginia
Originally Posted by G2IC_Wraith
As for your gas gauge.... some of the Ford guys at the dealer said the float in the tank on the sending unit can fill with gas and sink to the bottom so there is no reading. I don't know if this is true, but I replaced the float when my tank was down for about $5. It reads full now, too bad I can't get it started.
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