Two dash gauges not working?

[talegatefisher]

My 89 Ranger 2.3 has a problem with two of the gauges, not working at all. Its my (Temp gauge) and my (Gas gauge). Not sure if they both tie into the same circuit area. Afraid to use the truck due to running out of gas or even over heating the motor.

The truck also has been using alot of water/anti-freeze lately but may have a small hole in my radiator that only leaks with pressure. No signs of water being within the oil so I know there isnt a head gasket leak or a crack in the block either. Doesnt leave puddles under my truck so not to worried about that at the time being unless related to the gauge problem.

Other than this, the truck runs great and strong for alittle 2.3

Any help with this is appreciated, Im stumped on figuring it out.

 

[Four0Sport]

Coolant Temp Guage - if yours isnt working or registering first things you want to look at would be an open thermostat that needs replaced or the temperature sending unit needing replaced. If you do a search on 'Temperature Sending Unit' you should be able to find a post that has a way to check to see if the sensor is working. My problem was a thermostat that was stuck open, replaced it, guage works fine.

Fuel Level - The most common causes of this are a bad sending unit inside the tank, a bad float on the sending unit, or corrosion on the wire harness on top of the fuel tank. Check the harness on top of the tank, clean it, check for power. My guages in both of my trucks like to float around occaisonally so I just go by mileage as to when I need to fill up.

Hope this info helps

 

[talegatefisher]

I have no fuse box panel guide telling me which fuse run is for which instrument. Could there be a fuse that both would tie into. Both stoped working at the same time that I am aware of. Or maybe someone needed the fuse worse than I and removed it.

 

[Four0Sport]

i highly doubt it is a fuse, but it is worth checking. just pull each one, there arent too many.

 

[talegatefisher]

I gonna have to try the sensor for the Temp gauge.

Fuses checked out fine.

Once the truck warms up the thermostat opens and you can fill the hot water surge itself through the upper radiator hose. There went plan A out the window.

I heard that if I ground the temp gauge it will cause it to flick to its highest setting. Do you think this procedure will also work with the gas gauge to show it is functioning. I dont want to cause a short in the pump and cause a big BOOM!

I appreciate your help here!

 

[Four0Sport]

i dont see how youre going to be able to do that with the fuel sending unit as its in the tank, and would require too much work to drop and try to ground it out, not even sure if grounding the wiring harness would affect the guage in the dash.