2010 ranger sport temp gauge question

[joshkeller]

quick simple question, which may be dumb.. but is the temperature gauge an actually functioning gauge, or is it simply a dummy switch like the oil pressure?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

More less a dummy switch. I think it reads in normal untill you hit 230 (i think).

 

[joshkeller]

so the last two days driving home from work (3 miles) its prgged for a total of 5 seconds, then falls right back to normal indicates there is an issue. seems odd that its only done it driving home from work, and none of the other 75 miles ive driven in the last two days. i pulled the radiator cap and let it idle for 20 minutes to purge any air, im guessing ill replace the thermostat next. the fan is working. any other suggestions?

forgot to add, pulled over after the gauge went back to normal when it was safe (half mile) and took temp readings with my infrared thermometer- nothing other than the exhaust manifold was over 180.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Try changing the sending unit since you already purged the air. If that dont fix it the sender wire is grounding out somewhere

 

[joshkeller]

is there any reason at all to believe the motor is actually overheating if it only pegs the gauge a short time then shoots back down to normal? i would think overheating would take a few minutes to cool down, and the thermostat housing would be much hotter than 180.

 

[Denisefwd93]

Did you replace the sensor?

 

[91stranger]

Replace the sender. They are only $10-12 and take less than 15 minutes to change.

 

[joshkeller]

replaced the sender and no issues in a week. thanks guys.