My temperature gauge sits at about half and doesn't move even when we took it on a track and definitely heated up the engine. My friend who has a Ford Ranger had a broken gauge too and said the dealer said it was pretty common and not easily fixable. Is there any way to get it working right?

Thanks

 

'not easily fixable'? that's not true.
First of all, you need to verify its the gauge. WHen you start it cold, does it sit in the middle or does it move up from cold? If it's not moving and stuck, the stepper motor in the cluster need replacing. Various people and placed do that for reasonable prices.
If the gauge is moving up from cold at start, it's probably working.

 

My temperature gauge works when it is hot outside. During the cooler weather, it sometimes does not move! I was told it was most likely the stepper motor going out. I am not too worried about it due to the fan is still kicking on and cooling the car.

 

Sounds like a stepper motor issue as other as mentioned! Especially being a 2005.