spmls
New Member
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2021
- Messages
- 9
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 3
- Location
- California
- Vehicle Year
- 1998
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger
- Transmission
- Manual
I've got a new to me '98 3.0L with 150k on it. Temperature gauge on the cluster has never really crossed the low end of the "normal operating range", even when climbing steep highways in California (not that cold outside). I've checked the sender wire and gauge (full deflections when disconnected and then grounded to engine block), replaced the sender with a new Motorcraft, and the situation has not changed.
I plugged in the OBD and drove around for a bit, and the temperature there never seemed to get above 60°. Got back, engine certainly felt warm. Upper radiator hose was much warmer than the lower one.
Another symptom: Cabin air doesn't every blow in cool outside air. Once the engine is on, if the fans are on, even full cold (without a/c on), there's still hot air coming in.
So should I start with replacing the thermostat (is it stuck open)? Or with a new coolant temp sensor, or do I have bigger issues?
Thanks.
I plugged in the OBD and drove around for a bit, and the temperature there never seemed to get above 60°. Got back, engine certainly felt warm. Upper radiator hose was much warmer than the lower one.
Another symptom: Cabin air doesn't every blow in cool outside air. Once the engine is on, if the fans are on, even full cold (without a/c on), there's still hot air coming in.
So should I start with replacing the thermostat (is it stuck open)? Or with a new coolant temp sensor, or do I have bigger issues?
Thanks.