Temp. Gauge?
 

I am most likely posting in wrong spot, I was unable to find, start new thread in the tech. section. sorry!
I have a 2001 or 2 Ranger XLT I just purchased.
The first ?
The temp guage seems to be off (like out of calculation)
It starts out with a cold engine, at halfway position.
Then after gets warm it goes to 3/4 reading, never over.
Coolant lvel is ok, no leaks.
I am thinking it is just the guage?
So my > is how to fix it I want it right!

Welcome to the forum

This section is the right one to use for general questions

Its most likely the temp SENDER on the engine is the issue, not the gauge

But easy to test if its the sender or the gauge

You should include Engine size with any question, just FYI
I assume 3.0l from Profile

Picture here of the TWO temp reading units on the 3.0l engine: https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ant-sensor.jpg

One is for the computer, a sensor, it uses 5volts and always had 2 wires, one will be grey with red stripe
The other is for dash temp gauge, a SENDER, uses 12volts and can have 1 or 2 wires, one will be a red/white wire

People moved them around so you need to look at at the wire colors to be sure

Picture here of red/white wire on a temp SENDER, and only 1 wire used: http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...3/picture2.jpg
If it has 2 wires 2nd wire should be Black with white stripe

From your description when you turn the key on, when engine is COLD, the temp gauge goes up to 1/2 or so, does not stay near C, lower end of gauge
With engine cold, unplug the red/white wire connector from the sender, then turn on the key
Temp Gauge should stay low, if so, replace Sender, that's the problem
If gauge still goes to 1/2 then its a wire or gauge issue

You need to get a temp SENDER as replacement, auto parts stores with try to sell you an ECT "Sensor", you NEED a S E N D E R, so spell it out, lol
They are NOT interchangeable

You will need to drain some coolant out to replace it, you can recover it and put it back in or have some more on hand to replace the lost coolant
Remove either Heater Hose at the firewall to let air out while refilling coolant in radiator, when coolant starts to come out BOTH the hose and heater core then put hose back on

Thank you very, very much!
Just and easy answer, very easy ti understand!

The pictures did not show up?

Which pictures?

Try googling: images 3.0l ranger temp sensors

Should get some pictures of the temp senders and sensors