98 ranger 2.5 gas gauge not working i switched out gauge display and still same result. Thinking maybe I can install a aftermarket gauge for the gas gauge but need help on which wire I would tap into. Or any idea what I can do to fix gauge ?

 

Is the gauge stuck on Empty or Full?
Or in between
Does the needle change position with key on?
Do all the other gauges seem to work?

Did you swap out the cluster or just the gauge in the cluster?

The cluster has an anti-slosh module you can unplug from the cluster, Google: 1998 ford ranger anti slosh module bypass
Watch the videos

If you swapped out the whole cluster then you should have another slosh module in there but people do take them out and don't put them back, lol, so a used cluster may not have had one

To test the wire from the tank for new gauge or to see if its the sender in the tank that's the problem:
On the back of the cluster will be a yellow/white stripe wire, should be 3 connectors on the cluster, its pin 12 on the center connector, end wire on that plug is yellow/white

That wire is from the sender/float in the gas tank, you can use an OHM Meter to test it
Connect OHM Meter to yellow wire and Ground the meter's other wire(there is a black wire on pin 7 that is a ground)

Sender in the gas tank will show 16 OHMs when tank is empty and 160 OHMs when tank is full, so about 90 OHMs at 1/2 tank

If you rock the truck the gas will slosh around in the tank and OHMs will change, go up and down as the Float in the tank goes up and down
If OHMs are low and don't change or 0 then sender in tank is most likely bad not the gauge
If OHMs are very high or don't register at all then could be sender or wire is disconnected at the gas tank

 

I see a number of gas gauge problems and wonder how often the cause could be the ground as the trucks, well, they ride like a truck.

 

Its possible, of course, but haven't seen that fixing this issue that often, well honestly can't remember once, lol, the sender and the fuel pump do have separate grounds, so sender losing ground and engine still running is certainly possible, just not sure on how common that is

 

I'm sure your right then Ron.

My thought was in the form of a memory of a man such as yourself who knew what it was, where it was and what it was connected to and how it all functioned on Chevy sfi systems from the 90's through the mid 21 st when he died. Nationally known for his expertise.
With sensitive engine management systems, that was the first place to start especially when the motor was a transplant even with all new wiring.

Hope 90% of your answers are Stickies!!