Problem with gauge
 

I will be the dead of winter or hot summer day and my check engine light will be on because the oil gauge and temp gauge needle are all the way down?

The temp gauge needle will move up really slow to it normal spot,

but the oil gauge needle will jump (sometimes if i give the truck a rem of the engine it will jump and then fall back down?) into if normal spot, in the winter it can take 30 min of driving and in summer about 5 min

I think the problem it the oil gauge, but what to do to fix it....I have no idea:headache:

Thanks for the help

sounds like you need new sensors

that oil sending unit thing....where would that be on a 2001 SOHC 4.0 4x4 ??

On 4.0's, the OP switch is screwed into the left front of the engine block below the A/C compressor. Look for a single green/white wire going to it.

bob knows better than me so listen to him

It's the sending unit as Bob stated. It's a very common problem on our Rangers. I got one for something like $25 at Ford, but they can be found much cheaper at Autozone or the like.

It's about a 5 minute fix for even the most novice mechanic.