92 Ranger Inoperative Gauges Help?
 

Hey guys, I have some questions concerning my truck and need help determining the cause of some of my gauges not working. It's a 92 (2.3 Crate Motor and 5 speed if that matters) and the Speedometer, and Fuel Gauge are inoperative.<br /><br />Firstly, the lights, battery voltage gauge, tach (it only goes to about 2 grand Lmao), oil light (when its low), odometer, and tripometer all work. Here's the thing, the non working gauges move a tiny bit upon turning the key, but don't actually function. I would prefer to fix this rather than swap in a new dash. I checked some fuses and they don't appear blown. I do have an old battery and perhaps it isn't producing enough power, but I don't think this would cause it.<br /><br />I am hoping someone has ran across this problem on their Bronco II and can chime in. I do understand these can be problems other than the dash and the more I think about it the more I think they are. I could use any help I can get and would greatly appreciate it. Also, I mainly need the fuel gauge as I can use my GPS to see my speed (its actually surprisingly accurate). I'm just tired of counting my miles, its a pain. Thanks guys!

(Also if I need to look up things I have access to a shop program by Snap On with wiring diagrams, owners manuals, etc so I can figure some stuff out if need be.)

First thing I would look at is the connections to the gauge cluster.

Inspect and clean the connections as needed. Test the gauges before you remount it permanently.

If the connections are good and do not help the issue, check back with us and we can help further.

Is this a 1992 Ranger or BII?

1992 speedometer used speedometer cable and if the odometer is working the speedometer itself is broken and will need to be replaced
1995 was first year of electric speedometers in Rangers

Fuel gauge issues are usually related to Anti-slosh module on the back of the instrument cluster
Google: 1992 ford ranger anti slosh module

Yes, get a volt/ohm meter, $20, and test vehicle voltage
Key off battery voltages
12.8 volts is a new battery
12.5 volts is a 3 to 4 year old battery
12.3 volts is 5 to 6 years old and due for a change, watch for battery sales
12.2 volts or less is pass due for change, cold weather will cause no start, "click, click, click"

Start engine
Battery voltage should now be above 14 volts, but under 15 volts
It will stay that high for about 5 minutes or so then drop down to 13.6 volts
Turn on all the lights and heater fan to high
Voltage should stay at 13.6 volts
This means alternator and voltage regulator are working
If voltage drops with all lights and fan on then alternator has a bad field, which is OK for now but I would look for a sale or a deal at wrecking yard
If your head lights dim at idle, no that is NOT normal, lol, then you DO have a bad field.

Okay I will do that here soon. Is there a way to just pop off the front of the dash or will I have to go the whole 9 yards and remove it?

I was under the assumption that all pre-round body Rangers were considered Bronco IIs. Its a 92 definitely. And I do have acccess to a volt meter at my buddies garage where we do most repairs on our vehicles so that won't be an issue. I actually have been planning on getting a new battery here soon aswell. I also really really hope I don't have an alternator issue, but nonetheless I have been considering taking a loan out on a whole parts truck to help build some credit, so I would have access to all the parts I need, as long as they function properly lol

I must admit, I have not been sleeping well because of my back.
When I read your thread I must not have read it good enough to realize your speedometer is cable driven because your truck is older than I was thinking.

It also didn't sink in that you have battery issues.

I am going to take a break from these forums for awhile

It seems RonD is taking good care of you, just pay attention to what he suggest

Sorry for the confusion