Temperature gauge, "check gauge" lamp

[rarampone]

Hi,

This might be a good one. My '95 Ranger XLT 4.0 2WD has 65K original miles, and the temperature gauge does not work, plus the "check gauge" lamp comes on intermittently, once the engine reaches operating temperature. It will then come on and go out at random intervals. Gauge stays at the cold side. Grounding the sensor does nothing. I could take a stab and replace the temperature gauge, but thought I would see if anyone has seen this. What the heck is the "check gauge" lamp for, anyway?

Thanks,
Richard

 

[bobflood]

The "check gauge" light is to draw your attention to the fact that one of the gauges is outside it's normal range on the negative side. Only vehicle I have ever seen this one.

When you say "grounding the sensor" I assume you mean that you are grounding the wire connected to the sensor?? Are you sure that you have the correct sensor - there are two for temp on my 5.0, one for the gauge and one for the PCM.