Gas Gauge stuck on empty

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Mar 8, 2003 | 10:54 AM

cdbillups

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Gas Gauge stuck on empty

I just got my granpa's old Ranger (1991 auto) and he said that the fuel gauge quit working recently. He took it in and the mechanic said that the problem was on the gauge end and that you'd have to tear the dash apart to fix it. Can somebody provide me with a little more detail than that? I have taken a dash out of a Ranger before and wouldn't be afraid of trying it again. Any help would be useful. Thanks.

Mar 8, 2003 | 12:32 PM

sbriske

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Gas Gauge stuck on empty

I had the same problem about a year ago and it was the sending unit that is on the fuel pump, which is in the fuel tank. Had to take the take down the tank and replace the fuel pump/sending unit. Hopefully yours is just the problem on the dash.

Mar 8, 2003 | 09:19 PM

Cav

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Gas Gauge stuck on empty

Just got a used 91 XLT with a dead sender also. Picked a new unit up at Advance Auto for $137. Tomorrow it goes in. You'll want to get a new strainer also for about $7.

Mar 10, 2003 | 03:43 PM

Ken00

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From: South Jersey

Gas Gauge stuck on empty

If you disconect the send you will either get full or empty and then groundig will give you the other, if this happens the gauge should be good. If you have to replace the sendor pull the bed, it is easier than dropping the tank.

Mar 10, 2003 | 05:29 PM

cdbillups

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Gas Gauge stuck on empty

So when I get this thing open, there's two wires on the back of the gauge that run to the sending unit. Disconnecting the wires will send the gauge to full or it will stay on empty. Grounding the gauge will give the opposite result. I'm wanting to make sure I've got that straight. I'm sort of a novice at this. If I get no results than it's most likely a bad gauge? Sorry to sound so ignorant, I just don't want to damage anything.

Mar 10, 2003 | 06:29 PM

Ken00

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From: South Jersey

Gas Gauge stuck on empty

I check my 1989 Ford manual and it will read empty with an open curcuit and full when grounded. I would locate a connection NOT in the dash, check a wiring diagram for this.

Mar 10, 2003 | 07:59 PM

Cav

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Gas Gauge stuck on empty

Well, I replaced my sender last night and it fixed my problem. I just wish I knew that removing the bed was easier before I started! Dropping the tank is a real pain.

If you decide to drop the tank, go heavy on the Liquid Wrench. Those tanks mounting bolts are nice and rusty!

Good luck!