A couple of gauge cluster issues

[nomnomnom]

Hello,

Recently got a 96 Ranger Stepside w/ 2.3L and 5-speed manual. Have a couple issues with the gauge cluster that I knew about when receiving the vehicle but would like to fix them.

Issue #1: temp gauge reads low. I have read that this is caused potentially by the sending unit being separated from the t-stat housing but I have not located the t-stat housing/sending unit on my truck. Checked engine temp w/ my OBD2 scan tool and it is reading 70C or 158F at full operating temp. This seems a bit low, but the heat feels nice and warm and the engine is not overheating. Felt the radiator hoses and coolant seems to be circulating properly (warm upper and cooler lower) Any suggestions would be appreciated, does it seem like I need a new temp sending unit or should I just get an aftermarket temp gauge or maybe my t-stat is stuck open?

Issue #2: tachometer does not work. Bad connection, bad gauge, or something else? I really don't know where I should start with this one. Will say that I also have to replace the primary O2 sensor but I do not think this would be related?

Thank you very much, any help would be much appreciated.

 

[adsm08]

Replace the thermostat before doing anything else for you temp gauge. The gauge is just an idiot light, but most engines want to run in the neighborhood of 200*. Below 171 is where most Fords would set a code for not warming up fast enough.

As for the tach, good luck. Your best bet is to find the tach terminals on the back of the instrument cluster and hook up an analog volt meter. The computer relays the signal to the gauge, and the computer has to be seeing the signal or it wouldn't run. That means the best bet is the gauge itself, or the wiring from the computer.

 

[nomnomnom]

I'll do the T-stat first then, thanks.

As for the tach it actually worked for like 30 seconds yesterday, then it started reading really low and finally quit again. Makes me think bad connection, so I guess I'll be pulling the cluster soon.

 

[nomnomnom]

I am going to be installing an aftermarket temp gauge, I do not like that most of the gauges on the cluster are really just like you said: idiot lights.

I really discovered their simplicity when I pulled the cluster to try to get the tach working. Cleaned off all connections on back of cluster and nothing improved. I think the tachometer gauge itself is just dead. Oh well, maybe I'll find one at a junkyard at some point.