I’m building a V8 ranger. It’s a 1998 ford ranger with a 1996 mercury mountaineer 5.0 engine. I’m using the mountaineer wiring harness and for some reason I’m not getting gauges and the alternator is not getting power.

do I need to swap the wiring in the dash, or is there something else going on.

everything is hooked up after swapping a few plugs. Turn key truck will start, just no gauges and no power to the alternator.

 

Welcome to the forum

Most likely a fuse is blown for cluster, there are a few
Alternator ON/OFF switch is in the cluster, the Battery Light, if battery light doesn't come on with Key On then no charging after startup

"1998 Instrument" has all the fuses used
Cab fuse box 11, 15, 25 and 33


As for grounds, the engine needs to be grounded to the Firewall, usually rear of drivers side head to wiper motor bolt or bolt where computer ground is located
This is a main ground for all cab electrics, and often forgotten after engine work, in this case engine swap, lol
So make sure you have this ground strap or make one

 

I’ve checked all of the fuses under the hood and inside the cab, no fuses blown. Did some research thismorning and it’s lookin like a few wires need to be changed.

thank you for the reply I’ll be back if my new found solutions don’t work!!

 

Do I have to use the ranger wiring harness or the explorer wiring harness? I have the explorer wiring harness on now. Should I put the ranger harness back on?

 

You use the V8 harness and computer

Go here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...-fuel-systems/

Scroll down to Ranger V8 swaps
There are some wiring tips when using the Explorer V8 harness in a Ranger