1999 Ford Ranger Gauge and Blower Issues

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FIREFREEMAN
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  • 3 POSTS
Hey guys, I have a 1999 Ranger, 2 wheel drive, 90,000 miles. My problem is that the gauges do not read correctly. As soon as the engine is started, the temp gauge jumps to center and stays there, same with oil pressure. This has been going on for some time. Also the fan for the heat only works on the highest setting, any ideas? Thanks.
Nov 26, 2006 at 10:13 AM
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BOOTDOG
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  • 665 POSTS
does any other gauges seem faulty? like the speedometer moving eracticly. if so look into replacing the speed sensor located on the differntial axle. the blower motor resistor needs changing in order to fix the problem with the fan speeds. the 2 are 2 totally different problems.
Nov 26, 2006 at 10:30 AM
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FIREFREEMAN
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I replaced the speed sensor a couple of years ago after having the problem you described. The other gauges still act the same. Thanks for the info on the resistor.
Nov 26, 2006 at 10:12 PM
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STRAILER
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  • 55,673 POSTS
With the engine off, key on, ground the connectors from the oil and temp gauges they should go to full up and then go to full down when disconnected. Let me know :D
Nov 27, 2006 at 3:00 AM
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FIREFREEMAN
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Thanks for the help. Not to sound like a complete idiot but how do I go about grounding the gauges? Do I just connect a spare piece of wire from the connector to the body? Also, how would I go about replacing the resistor on the fan motor. I am sure I could figure these things out given time, but I would appreciate your help. Thanks.
Nov 27, 2006 at 12:53 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,673 POSTS
Disconnect the wire from the senders and ground them to a good ground source. Next the blower motor resistor is located in the heater box, either under the dash or under the hood.
Nov 28, 2006 at 2:35 AM

Suggested Repair

Treat the gauge and blower issues separately. With the key on and engine off, disconnect the oil-pressure and temperature sender wires and ground them to a good ground; the gauges should swing full scale and drop when ungrounded. For fan speeds that work only on high, replace the blower motor resistor in the heater box, under the dash or under the hood. The speed sensor was already replaced and is not the remaining cause.

Conversation Summary

A 1999 Ford Ranger owner reported that the temperature and oil-pressure gauges jump to center and stay there after startup, and that the heater fan works only on the highest setting. One reply noted these are separate problems and suggested a speed sensor if the speedometer were erratic, plus a blower motor resistor for the fan. The owner said the speed sensor was already replaced and the other gauges still misread. Another reply advised grounding the disconnected oil and temperature sender wires with the key on and engine off to see whether the gauges swing full scale, and locating the blower resistor in the heater box under the dash or hood.

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