First post so here goes.....
jusy a FYI.......the correct sensor for the temp gauge is SW5174 (Motorcraft) and not DY1144 or DY1145.
Both my local Auto store and Ford dealer gave me the wrong sensors and both say there info shows these to be correct. I just happened across an article about another ranger owner who had the same problem and he said it is the water/fan temperature switch that goes into the water manifold........also called (elbow).
Just trying to pass on this info to whoever may need it.
Robert

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes good advice and heads up

Fuel injected vehicles often have TWO ECT(engine coolant temp) devices
A sensor and a SENDER

The SENDER is used for the dash temp gauge, so uses 12volts, there has always been a Temp SENDER for that, these were 1 wire units for 60+ years, but in the late 1990's it could have 2 wires

Fuel injection can't used a Choke Plate like a carb had, no Jets, but a cold engine still needs to be Choked(run rich, at higher idle) until it warms up
So the ECT SENSOR was added, always 2 wires, runs on 5volts
This tells the computer when to Choke the engine, and when it is warmed up

And yes just about every parts store will give to an ECT sensor when you wanted a sender, stress the word S E N D E R and they can look it up, and get the right part

Also sensors have a cone shape tip, senders a cylinder shape tip, not 100% reliable but 99%, lol