I bought this truck and it had been sitting up for awhile. I have driven it some and I changed the oil last Saturday. It was involved in a slight fender bender on Monday, driver front fender. Yesterday I noticed the check engine light is on and the gas gauge and maybe the temp gauge has quit working. I checked the fuse (#27) and it is good. Can someone give me an idea where to start? I was told the ECU, however everything else seems to working ok. Where is the ECU on the truck and how much of a pain is it to change it? I bet removing the instrument cluster is a pain as well, although I do need to fix the speedometer. The radiator looks like it needs a good flushing out. anyway i do appreciate any help .

Thanks,
oletrkguy
96 Mazda B300
55 Chevy Task Force
in SC

 

A 1996 truck should have OBD2, so a code reader could give you a hint about the check engine light. A 1996 Mazda B3000 is a clone of
Ford Ranger 1996 3000.

I would NOT jump right into thinking it's a bad ECU.

 

Thank you Cusser, I agree with what you said, I am not going to head to the ECU first thing. I had my wife drive it to the local parts store to have the code checked and unfortunately the codes were not written down and they were deleted. That was totally on me and did not give specific instructions or I should have taken it myself. Anyway, I have noticed that the temp gauge has moved a little and also the fuel gauge has moved a little. However I know the fuel gauge is not reading correctly because the tank was just filled and the gauge says a little over a 1/4 tank. I can not be 100% sure on the temp gauge but I believe it is correct. The oil pressure and volt gauges both read at about 1/2 and I don't think those are correct because they don't seem to move at all.
The fuse is good, and I am leaning towards new gauges, or hopefully a working set of used gauges. Maybe a sending unit for the fuel gauge?. I did read about a little board, cant remember the name of it, but it is located behind the fuel gauge on the instrument cluster. It helped a guy that his gauge would only go to half way.
Anyway, I have taken to much time, but I do want to know if you know how difficult it is to remove the instrument cluster. I need to replace the odometer gear as well. Geeezz.
Thanks for your time and help, have a great weekend, stay safe,
oletrkguy in SC

 

Note: sending units malfunction significantly more than gauges.
And make sure the connections on the senders are clean and tight.