1996 ranger cooling gauge and obd2 access?

stackz · Feb 19, 2017

96 ranger 3.0 ranger. I can't connect to the obd2 port. None of the fuses are blown either. Any ideas?

Also, the coolant gauge is almost non functional. Temp sending unit or possibly the gauge in the cluster itself??

RonD · Feb 19, 2017

Can't physically plug into the port?

Or can't "talk" to computer?

1995 and early 1996 Ford computers did have issues talking with some scanner/readers

Does the CEL(check engine light) come on with the key?
That means computer is booting up

Temp SENDER will have just 1 wire connected, it uses its threads and the engine as the GROUND.
So unplug that wire from sender and ground it
Turn on the key
Temp gauge should go all the way up to HOT.
Leave key on and unground that wire
Gauge should go down to COLD

If that happens then wire and gauge are OK, replace sender

stackz · Feb 21, 2017

its just having issues talking with the scanner. I use the "torque" app on my phone and a bluetooth obd2 adapter. the adapter is getting power at the port on the truck and the other lights are blinking along with the app searching protocols. I'm guessing its just having whatever issue you were talking about trying to get it to communicate. seems like this might be a pain in the butt lol.

got the temp gauge working. when I bought the truck, it just had frothy muddy water in the radiator so I fully intended to flush the radiator and block. come to find out there was no thermostat in the engine either. :annoyed:

picked up a t-state/gasket/temp sensor all at once, flushed the block, put everything on and cranked it up with fresh antifreeze. temp gauge works and it holds temp fine.

RonD · Feb 21, 2017

The elm327 bluetooth, or its "clones", sometimes had issues with Ford OBD2

I would try your set up on another vehicle, non-Ford if possible, and make sure it works

stackz · Feb 21, 2017

Well poo. I just gave my old corded obd2 code reader to my dad too. Guess I will borrow it back. I've had this one for a while. It even worked on my other 98 ranger. But yeah I figured it was something like that. It keeps searching through protocols. The reader does work though, I use it all the time on my bmw x5 with a tablet paired for gauge overlay. I even checked it a couple times when I had the issue.

I was just wondering if it was a random issue like my dad's 04 f150 where the obd2 port gets power through the cigarette lighter circuit and the fuse would blow....all fuses were good but you never know if there is some other common malady unless you ask though

stackz · Feb 26, 2017

still trying to figure out how to connect to the obd2 port but the cooing gauge is now working.

a 95-96 explorer cluster works...one with the red "6" on the tach as it has the same temp sender type as my 96 ranger.

1996 ranger cooling gauge and obd2 access?

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