The PO of my truck had a lot of fuel system work done by a questionable repair shop. My switch for tanks works fine and my problem is the front tank always shows empty while the rear tank reads properly. There is gas in the front tank and it runs fine in that switch selection but it is showing empty. Is there anything I can repair for this issue other than pull the tank? Thank You. Sandy

 

It would appear the gauge circuit is not connected properly. Check continuity at all points accessible outside of the tank. If all is correct you may need to get inside the tank since it is likely either the sending unit or float assembly may have been damaged or not even properly connected. From what you describe I would highly suspect this to be the case. Until you have the time to look into it I would suggest you fill both tanks each time you refuel and draw from the front tank, using your trip odometer & your approximate MPGs to keep a close guesstimate of how much fuel your have drawn from that tank. Better to underestimate that MPG figure to minimize running the tank out of fuel which is hard on the pumps since they actually use the fuel flowing through and around them to keep them cool.

dn.

 

Thank you very much. I will follow your procedure.

 

If the fuel gauge points to "E" then more than likely a sunk float.
If the fuel gauge is pegged past "E" then the fuel gauge wiring is shorted to ground.

 

This appears to be past E. Do you agree to the short? Where would I check for the short i.e. switch etc. Thanks for the help. Sandy

 

Looks like a sunk float.

 

Perfect................I was hoping you wouldn't say that. In the interim, do you agree about filling both tanks? I never use this truck except to run short errands so two tanks in unnecessary. If I don't fix the float wouldn't it be better to run the front tank dry and from then on just use the back tank? Thank you again.

 

Mine does the same thing, except if i run on the front tank it will pump fuel into the rear tank. I just fill up both tanks, use the rear tank until its almost empty. Then switch to front tank & within a half hour it will fill rear tank. Then use the rear tank. Always heard its not good to run the tanks dry since they use the fuel as a coolant.

 

Don't run the tank dry, as that can lead to corrosion and water build up and damage the pump. You know the front tank is 16-19 gallons, and you know the truck gets about 15 MPG or so. So you know at worst you have 240 miles of range on it. Fill the tank, reset the ODO, and then drive it 150-190 miles, and at that point you know its probably got about 4-5 gallons left, so just switch to the rear tank.

The fuel pump module in your rear tank has failed. Replacing it will fix your issue.

 

I figured I'd just do the fuel delivery modules in both tanks once the weather gets nicer. The front one needs a float but if i have to drop the tank to replace it i might as well do the entire module.