Hey Everybody - as a newer owner this forum has been a godsend - thank you all so much.

2003 FX4 L2 - replaced both the temperature sensor and the temperature sender this weekend. Temp gauge works now BUT after parking and turning the truck off the temp gauge stays right where is was and doesn't 'reset' until the key is turned on again - then it jumps to cold (if the engine has cooled off). Is that normal? It isn't a deal breaker for me but I just wonder, if it isn't normal, if I have a minor electrical problem with the wiring or the gauge itself. Thoughts? Thank you again!

 

Yes, that is normal, temp gauge needle is Ground set with no return spring, so won't change positions with key off/no power, it can only change positions when power is applied.

Oil pressure gauge has return as does Voltage gauge.

Fuel gauge needle can move to "neutral" setting then show true fuel level with key on

In 2004 and up, Rangers got the full digital dash, HEC, so all gauges go "off" with key off since they are not "analog gauges" they get needle position from the computer

 

Thank you RonD - that's a huge relief - I thought I did something wrong or still had a minor issue and since i'm hopelessly OCD it would have bugged me.

Thanks again - appreciate the help.