Temp gauge not working 93 ranger xlt

[tonyzz]

Hi,

I have tried everything I can think of, my temp gauge is not working correct, it will go to the first line if the a/c is on, I tried 3 sender units and changed the coolant sensor also with no luck. I grounded the single wire and the gauge shot to above hot when I turned the key. I also tried using my multi meter touching the engine and the sender showing it is grounded. I pulled the plumbing tape off before installing to ensure a good ground. I believe the sender with the single wire is good, as I have a 91 mustang that needed a sender as it's gauge was not working, the sender I took out of the ranger works fine in the mustang. I'm out of ideas, there is coolant that leaks out when I take the sender out, so it is getting coolant. The heat is hot so I don't think the thermostat is bad. I did change it about 3 months ago.

Don't really want to go with an after market gauge at this time.

Thanks

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[RonD]

What engine?

The 2.3l always showed lower temp on dash because sender was located at the rear of the engine, but yours reads even too low for that

 

[tonyzz]

4.0 is the engine. All other gauges work no issues with them

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[Denisefwd93]

It's not the gauge, it's not the sender what does that tell me that has to be the wiring between there and the instrument panel or even the connections in the instrument panel.

Ron would know better than me, but I'm guessing if you did a resistance /continuity test at the two ends you could learn condition of the wiring between the gauge & sensor.

 

[tonyzz]

I will give that a try, wasn't too sure if the wire was the issue as it shot hot when grounded and the key was turned. I will check the wire to see if it's bad, what is exposed looks good but it is 25 yrs old.

Thanks for your help.

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