Coolant Sending Unit

[KyBucks10]

Tried searching for answers on this, but after 20 minutes or so of reading (and figuring out that most guys on here drive Explorers and not Rangers), I figured it would be easiest to just ask.

My temperature gauge likes to spike hot almost all the time. Rarely is it at a normal setting. I am 99% sure that it is not the gauge, because I just swapped it out with a junkyard gauge, and it did the exact same thing. My question is does anyone have any advice or pictures on where this sending unit is and how hard it is to replace? I stopped by an Advanced Auto Parts today and was thumbing through a manual and it kind of gave me a general idea of where its at, but I have not found it yet.

Any tips would be appreciated!!

Thanks!!

Edit: I have already replaced the coolant temp sensor.

 

[chapsdeva]

Have you replaced the thermostat? If not, that is more than likely your issue.

 

[KyBucks10]

Have you replaced the thermostat? If not, that is more than likely your issue.

Yes. I replaced that back in the summer. My heat works great. It heats up in just 15 or so minutes of driving even if the temp outside is in the teens.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Depending on the engine in your ranger there are 2 sensors, located right next to each other. One is the ect(for the computer) and the temp sender(for the gauge). If you have the 4.0 then the 2nd sensor could be your problem.

 

[KyBucks10]

Depending on the engine in your ranger there are 2 sensors, located right next to each other. One is the ect(for the computer) and the temp sender(for the gauge). If you have the 4.0 then the 2nd sensor could be your problem.

I have a 2.3.

 

[KyBucks10]

Fixed my problem. It was the sending unit. If anyone else that drives a 2.3 Ranger needs to find it, it is just above the oil filter and a couple inches back. You can see it from under the truck, but its kinda hard to get to from under I think. Easiest way to replace it is pull the wheel well out and get a long extension in there. Make sure you have a bucket to catch the coolant that spills out!

Thanks!

 

[SoNic67]