Temperature gauge
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Provided that the engine is really reaching the correct operating temperture (195 F), then most likely it's the sending unit for the temp gauge. The 4.0 seems to be hard on senders; I've been through about four in the last 10 years. When I replace the sender, I like to use this as a opportunity to replace the thermostat too.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 1
From: Alvin, Texas.
I have nothing against changing the t-stat right now either, but if you have to prioritize, take a feel at the radiator hoses. If they are hot after a few minutes of running the truck, change the sender.
Mine was quite lifeless, too, but now after changing it out, it actually goes past the first \ a decent bit. Fair enough for me this time of year.
Mine was quite lifeless, too, but now after changing it out, it actually goes past the first \ a decent bit. Fair enough for me this time of year.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Unless something changed, it's on the top of the intake and very close to the thermostat housing. Make sure it's the sender with just one wire; if you find one with two wires somewhere that's the temp sender for the EEC system.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Metro Detroit
No, but put it on defrost and feel it when fully warm. Does it feel hot? Many enthusiasts feel as though heat is an enemy, and install a 180f thermostat.
Feel it.
Feel it.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
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Do not put a 180 deg thermostat in the truck unless it came with one. Use the 195 if thats what it calls for or it will kill you gas mileage.
Dave
Dave
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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my 93 ranger with a 2.3 does the exact same thing, never even made it to the n in normal. but i checked the engine coolant temp sender (different location than the gauge sensor) and it was pulling the correct resistance for about 192. i would try replacing the gauge itself if it bothers you, fords are known to have problems with some of their gauges, especially the termperature ones. hope this helps.
-tony
-tony
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