Need help with some problems

[Johnnyboiranger22]

Hey guys. Have finally been running my 91 Ranger and taking it on little test drives (finally finished repairs and engine swap). Now having time to focus on the little thing i noticed my fuel gauge is not working, I dont believe it the fuel pump with sending unit because i went through 3 of those and gauge never works all fuses look fine. Could this be a cluster issue or some other issue? I also ran the OBD1 reader coming up with just a couple codes, one a brake switch which i know switch has failed. My main one is code 21 ECT sensor out of range. If I understand correctly the ECT is the sensor plugged under and into the intake manifold with two wires instead of the coolant temp sensor for gauge which is just one?

 

[RonD]

Yes thats the ECT(engine coolant temp) sensor location on 1991 2.3l

Yes, ECT Sender(for dash temp gauge) is just 1 wire, and it is located farther back on the same side of the engine, just below oil pressure sender, also1 wire


On the back side of the instrument cluster will be an anti-slosh module, these often failed so gas gauge stayed on Empty

Have a read here: https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/getting-the-fuel-gauge-to-work.140669/

 

[Josh B]

Where did you get your engine swap from Johnny? I'm thinking of doing mine also and not sure where to start

 

[Johnnyboiranger22]

Thanks Ron! I will diagnose today or weekened. Josh actually I just went on letgo app one day and luckily found same year same engine and cab configuration. They wanted 200bucks so I jumped on it quick. Clutch was gone so towed home and rest is history. We have alot of them in FL problem is finding one that hasnt been over heated or beat to death. This one only had 90K was owned by an older lady.

 

[tomw]

If you pull the cluster, look on the back side for a rectangular box attached with what looks like 9-volt battery snap terminals. I think that is a voltage regulator that chops battery voltage down to a steady voltage to keep the gauges honest. If you have a temp gauge which works, while the fuel gauge does not, it is not likely the regulator as both use the ~7V as a constant. If the regulator fails, it can overvolt the gauge, or provide nothing, making the gauge inoperative.
If you ground the single-wire temperature gauge sensor, it will peg the temp gauge needle. Dunno if the fuel gauge would do the same.
tom

 

[Johnnyboiranger22]

Pulled cluster and replaced Anti slosh module and still no change. are the Temp gauge needle and fuel gauge ran off same module in cluster?