temp. gauge doing weird stuff
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
temp. gauge doing weird stuff
ok my temp gauge in the truck will stay low all the time and will actually dip down and go back up but never even close to the middle it stays low and ocasionally dips down??
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 1
From: Alvin, Texas.
Bad sender, but if the t-stat hasn't been cahged in EVER, it'd be nice to knock that out, too.
My gauge would rise from the ashes, so to speak, every so often, and the sender seemed to have the listed resistance in the Haynes, but it was likely the factory sender which had a recall on it way back when and the t-stat was factory, too. Sender is tricky to get to.
My gauge would rise from the ashes, so to speak, every so often, and the sender seemed to have the listed resistance in the Haynes, but it was likely the factory sender which had a recall on it way back when and the t-stat was factory, too. Sender is tricky to get to.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Your termostat is stuck open. My Ranger goes thu so many stats so fast, I buy them by the bulk pack. Any time you get coolant system work done, just assume that the stat will take a dump on you because they're tempramental, and replace it. $5.00 part, and a pain in the butt to get at it in my engine, 4.0, but it's necessary.
Dan
Dan
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
I don't know.....not farmiliar with that engine. it's just the placement.....it's only 3 bolts, but they are really hard to get a wrench/socket on them. just follow the upper radiator hose to the engine, that's where the thermostat is. see if you can get a wrench/finger on the bolts, if you can, then go for it.
Dan
Dan
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
My temp experiences
I've experienced the infamous variant temperature phenomenon on my 96 4 liter ranger as well. Currently, the temperature gauge makes in only to the first mark and maybe a bit higher on a hot day. Replaced the sender and checked the thermostat (not the original - but about 3 years old). Thought the thermostat was stuck open but it was completely closed when I removed it to check it. So, I re-used it! A new Ford thermostat ranges from $19 to $25 depending on which Ford dealer I contact. The dealer in my town is the most expensive. Stant thermostat is about $10.
So, I'm just letting the gauge read COLD and finally saying to hell with figuring out which component (if any) is not working to par.
Just my $.02 worth on the subject. With 102,000 miles on it, I'm thinking about replacing my Ranger anyway.
So, I'm just letting the gauge read COLD and finally saying to hell with figuring out which component (if any) is not working to par.
Just my $.02 worth on the subject. With 102,000 miles on it, I'm thinking about replacing my Ranger anyway.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
The price on Ford parts at the dealer will drop if you use a buddies business name. After they tell you the price and you're at the parts counter, tell them you are paying cash and sales tax (if applicable).
You might also have a look on rockauto.com for a t-stat.
You might also have a look on rockauto.com for a t-stat.