need help gauges spiking

[mkpecor]

i have a 88 ranger 2.9 motor, this morning i was at a stop light and i look down at my gauges and the gas and temp gauge are maxed out. they went all the way up at the same time stayed there for 2/3 seconds and then droped back down at the same pace. they went back to the right readings they were at, they didnt stop working, what the hell would make this happen? thanks mike

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

sounds like a loose wire or short of some kind. hard to tell.

if it doesnt happen again, i wouldnt worry

 

[OldJunk]

That happens in my 84 and my buddys 83 w/5.0 , and hes been thru all of his wiring and it still does it. they usually settle back down in a few minutes, nothin to worry about i guess.

 

[Kedyn's Crow]

Mustangs will do this because of a bad IVR, instrument voltage regulator, I'm not sure if the Ranger has a similar style or not. If they do that may be causing the issue.

 

[V8 Level II]

Check the ground on the driver side inner fender apron, about halfway back. It is common for it to get loose and/or corroded.

 

[289-tiger-]

My 89 Escort Gt would do the same thing. Never did find the source for the 15 years driven, would always happen in motion briefly and never at idle. Sounds like a circuit board is used in many models of Ford vehicles though.

Good luck

 

[mkpecor]

hey thanks guys i was thinkin it might be the voltage regulater.