Trying to diagnose some overhearting issues in our '99 Ranger and found this guy just hanging down loose next to the radiator and not connected to anything at the other end. Any help?

 

That looks like an HID headlight ballast. It's a popular mod that people quickly give up on because most aftermarket ballasts are junk and will fail after a year or so. Looks like somebody gave up on the ones in your truck but never fully removed the parts.

 

Thank you, I believe that's exactly what it is. There's definitely aftermarket lights that were disconnected and never fully reattached at some point. Glad to know, but sad that it doesn't get me any closer on my heat issue other than ruling it out...

 

Describe the overheating, i.e. overheats at highway speeds, overheats when stopped or driving slow


Cold engine
Remove rad cap and start engine
Top up radiator if its low
There should be no circulation in the radiator with cold engine, thermostat is closed
Let engine run a minute or two and watch level in radiator, if its over flowing then you have a blown head gasket or cracked head, if not then it doesn't

Put cap back on
Shut off engine

Pull off over flow hose from rad cap opening
Blow thru it, should have air bubbling up in overflow tank and no leaks/cracks in the hose
Unclip the hose and lower it down so fluid in the tank run out of the tank thru the hose, flush the tank with clean water, to clear out any debris at bottom of tank or in the hose

Re-clip and install hose

Refill overflow tank to COLD line, go for a drive

How old is radiator?

After full warm up when you get home
Unhook the shroud and move it back
Run your hand over the radiator fins
Should be warmest near the upper hose and coolest near the lower hose
Feel for cooler areas in the middle and lower edges, those are BLOCKED cooling tubes, clogged with debris