Hoping someone will have some advice on which parts to order to fix my 1995 Ford Ranger V-6, 3.OL with auto transmission. While driving had puff of smoke from dash area with acrid burning smell. Had a quick check by mechanic and everything seemed to work, after he changed some fuses and fixed a heater that was not working well. Now odometer, speedometer and seat chime do not work. The ABS light works with key on and will turn off when starting / driving. Check engine light had been on for a while prior to the smoke incident, but now will not light up. Codes on tester for this engine light were P1443 and P1445. They still show now as well. My mechanic thinks it needs a new instrument cluster. But based on research from previous forum posts here, it may be only a wire/connector or sensor rather than actual entire cluster. Any advice on how to proceed would be much appreciated. Real concern is getting speedometer and odometer working again as it is driving and handling ok and it is my only vehicle.

 

ABS and speedo/odo have no connection in 1995 Ranger, that's was ONLY in 1998-2000 Rangers

If the Speed sensor, VSS, was the issue then you would also have code P0500-Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction

On a 1995 2WD the VSS is on drivers side at rear of transmission, 2 wires, it generates its own AC voltage
It is connected to Cluster, Computer and cruise control(if so equipped)
If speedo and odo are not working, and NO P0500 code then Cluster is the issue
Automatic transmission would also be shifting poorly with no speed signal in the computer

Fuse 25 in the cab fuse box powers the speedo/odo, its a 10 amp fuse, if it is/was blown then cluster most likely had an internal short, the smell

Unfortunately the 1995 Ranger instrument cluster is a one of a kind for that model year
It doesn't match 1993/4 or 1996-2003
So if looking for a replacement, it must be 1995, and because its a one year model they can be hard to find
Without or without tachometer is fine, your choice, engine size doesn't matter, 2WD or 4x4 doesn't matter, manual or auto doesn't matter, just must be 1995

Worst case, you can use 1996-2003 cluster you will just have to re-pin many of the 1995 cluster connectors to match 1996-2003 cluster wiring

Fuses 11 and 15 also power the cluster, key on, diagram below
CEL(check engine light), like most indicator lights, gets 12volts from the above fuses with key on, and the Computer Grounds the CEL bulb when it has boot up/powered up
No CEL could indicate blown fuse or bad cluster

 

Thank you RonD. I will continue to look for an instrument cluster for 1995 year only. I will probably buy one that has been rebuilt already and send damaged one back after removal. Although the most costly option, it seems the most reliable way as they will warranty the cluster for a period of time. Not the same for a used one on ebay. I also do not want my mechanic to have to do it twice! Truck has 120,000 original miles, so that way I can have accurate mileage set. I sincerely appreciate all the info and the wiring diagram. I will let you know how the repair goes.