So my main concern is that my rpm needle drops below zero and when I turn my lights on or leave it for a while and will read wrong and can’t get to stay where it’s supposed to be but if I try and fix it with the truck on it will stay but when I turn it off and leave it alone for a while it drop back down. I had barely installed led cluster lights and sanded the green film not sure I pulled or pushed something. In the process my shift indicator cable broke and can’t find anywhere on how to replace it only thing that comes up is the bracket or how to realign it just want to fix these things so I don’t have to touch it again.

 

Welcome to the forum

Rangers were made from 1983 to 2011 then 2019/20

Pick a year for yours, it helps answer question, as there were many changes over the years

Also what engine?

 

My apologies I could’ve sworn I put that info down. It’s a 2005 ranger edge 2 door extended cab with a 3.0l

 

OK, 2004 to 2011 Ranger use an HEC(hybrid electronic cluster), its a fully digital dash
2005 Rangers also don't have PATS, Ford skipped that year, so no transponder key needed, just FYI

So google: Ford HEC test mode

There are several videos and how-tos on doing gauge sweeps to see if they are working correctly
The HECs don't have an analog connection to anything, the gauges are all run by the built-in microprocessor, so outside of the needle being detached from the tach gauges motor I can't see a reason for this issue
If tach is not doing the full sweep correctly then that may be the issue, needle needs to be "glued"??? on to motors shaft

And just as an FYI
2004 to 2011 HEC's can not be swapped out like the older analog clusters
The microprocessor in the HEC and engine computer are "married" at the factory with VIN and odometers, so one won't work without the other, so shady resellers can not swap in lower odometer clusters in to high mile vehicles
If HEC and engine computer don't recognize each other with key on, then engine won't start, this is done with RSA encyption, only a Ford Dealer can swap HEC or engine computer on these years

 

I got it to do the full sweep and reset everything just as I thought it fixed it, it dropped again

 

Hopefully its not a Cluster issue, $$$ to replace, so may be the needle is slipping on the shaft??

As said only a Ford Dealer can replace cluster, and they have to order one in from Ford Security that has been programmed with VIN and Odometer miles as read from PCM by the dealer, the Ford Dealer can't do the HEC programming, they can only do the "marrying" part once Ford Security sends them the new programmed HEC

 

Yeah I hope not I just can’t seem to get it where it supposed to be it’s works and everything it’s a little issue of it not because aligned that’s bothering me. I’ll rev it up and it’ll move but itll read at 500 rpm idiling but if I move it it’ll lol and act normal ig it when there’s no longer power to it when it won’t read right anymore