Fuel gauge concern/question
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Logistics Pro
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From: Earth
Fuel gauge concern/question
Ok I got a possible an issue, when i fill up my front tank my gauge will read E untill its about 1/4 empty then the needle will move to 1/4 mark but as the tank empties some times it will climb to read the accurate level, rear tank read just fine, so im thinking its the sender unit thats going possibly...what do you all think?
also not sure if this is related but the temp, gas, oil and volt gauge some times will not light up when the lights are on (speedo and tach are more or less lit except for the burnt out bulbs) but after a certain amount of time (it seems to vary) they will light up just fine...like i said not sure these are related to each other but figure i will mention it just in case...
also not sure if this is related but the temp, gas, oil and volt gauge some times will not light up when the lights are on (speedo and tach are more or less lit except for the burnt out bulbs) but after a certain amount of time (it seems to vary) they will light up just fine...like i said not sure these are related to each other but figure i will mention it just in case...
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Logistics Pro
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From: Earth
surely someone has similar issues or this before with the fuel gauge....help please? Im thinking its the sender unit but im not sure exactly if it is/isnt and i don't want to drop the tank just to find out its some other gremlin!
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
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I had almost the exact same problem a few years ago. It was the front tank and it ended up being the sending unit. If you replace, I suggest getting a Ford part, and not one from the parts store.
As for the cluster illumination, I would try replacing the bulbs in it. While its out replace all of the indicators too, so you don't have to pull it back out. I would get Sylvania long life 194 bulbs. Be careful not to damage the printed circuit board on the back.
As for the cluster illumination, I would try replacing the bulbs in it. While its out replace all of the indicators too, so you don't have to pull it back out. I would get Sylvania long life 194 bulbs. Be careful not to damage the printed circuit board on the back.
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Joined: May 2009
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From: Eastern Ky
I had almost the exact same problem a few years ago. It was the front tank and it ended up being the sending unit. If you replace, I suggest getting a Ford part, and not one from the parts store.
As for the cluster illumination, I would try replacing the bulbs in it. While its out replace all of the indicators too, so you don't have to pull it back out. I would get Sylvania long life 194 bulbs. Be careful not to damage the printed circuit board on the back.
As for the cluster illumination, I would try replacing the bulbs in it. While its out replace all of the indicators too, so you don't have to pull it back out. I would get Sylvania long life 194 bulbs. Be careful not to damage the printed circuit board on the back.
The fluctuations you're having is simply either a bad contacting ground OR the power wires aren't touching correctly..
Before you go all gunt go about swapping bulbs, etc... Simply pull the bezel off, and the cluster out and press the grey and black clips in, they hold the Wiring harness wires in....A lot of times, they simply aren't securely fastened in....
This can also cause erratic readings from every gauge you have...
As for the fuel gauge issue, after checking the cluster plugs and securing those...
Climb under the truck and check the plug on the sending unit....Make sure it's fully clipped in....mine wasn't clipped in fully, and as I drove the power was connected, allowing mento have fuel, but the needle fluctuated wildly...
This is some simple, FREE things to check....
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Logistics Pro
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From: Earth
ok sweet thats what I kinda had a feeling could be going on as far as the fuel goes, and I will definatly check those ideas out, as for the gauges I may take it to a local shop to have them help me pull it out so i minimize the risk of damage untill I can do it my self (first time doing this my self) so I can throw some green LEDS in, tho id rather take the fuggly green film off LOL! but illl be checking the wires, thanks!
as for that plug will it be easy to spot or will I still need to pull the tank out to get to it?
as for that plug will it be easy to spot or will I still need to pull the tank out to get to it?
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Texas is right, to a point...
The fluctuations you're having is simply either a bad contacting ground OR the power wires aren't touching correctly..
Before you go all gunt go about swapping bulbs, etc... Simply pull the bezel off, and the cluster out and press the grey and black clips in, they hold the Wiring harness wires in....A lot of times, they simply aren't securely fastened in....
This can also cause erratic readings from every gauge you have...
As for the fuel gauge issue, after checking the cluster plugs and securing those...
Climb under the truck and check the plug on the sending unit....Make sure it's fully clipped in....mine wasn't clipped in fully, and as I drove the power was connected, allowing mento have fuel, but the needle fluctuated wildly...
This is some simple, FREE things to check....
The fluctuations you're having is simply either a bad contacting ground OR the power wires aren't touching correctly..
Before you go all gunt go about swapping bulbs, etc... Simply pull the bezel off, and the cluster out and press the grey and black clips in, they hold the Wiring harness wires in....A lot of times, they simply aren't securely fastened in....
This can also cause erratic readings from every gauge you have...
As for the fuel gauge issue, after checking the cluster plugs and securing those...
Climb under the truck and check the plug on the sending unit....Make sure it's fully clipped in....mine wasn't clipped in fully, and as I drove the power was connected, allowing mento have fuel, but the needle fluctuated wildly...
This is some simple, FREE things to check....
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Hotshot
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From: flagstaff, arizona
having the same exact problem. rear tank reads fine but front tank is dead as a rock. not a huge deal as i know my truck's mileage and can get a good idea of where its at at all times but its kinda annoying :P
i too am asking what jaime and the other guy asked, where is the plug for the sender unit and is it easy to access?
i too am asking what jaime and the other guy asked, where is the plug for the sender unit and is it easy to access?
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 8,843
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From: Eastern Ky
ok sweet thats what I kinda had a feeling could be going on as far as the fuel goes, and I will definatly check those ideas out, as for the gauges I may take it to a local shop to have them help me pull it out so i minimize the risk of damage untill I can do it my self (first time doing this my self) so I can throw some green LEDS in, tho id rather take the fuggly green film off LOL! but illl be checking the wires, thanks!
as for that plug will it be easy to spot or will I still need to pull the tank out to get to it?
as for that plug will it be easy to spot or will I still need to pull the tank out to get to it?
having the same exact problem. rear tank reads fine but front tank is dead as a rock. not a huge deal as i know my truck's mileage and can get a good idea of where its at at all times but its kinda annoying :P
i too am asking what jaime and the other guy asked, where is the plug for the sender unit and is it easy to access?
i too am asking what jaime and the other guy asked, where is the plug for the sender unit and is it easy to access?
Guys, its not hard to find....At all....On the side tank, the sending unit is placed on the P/S of the tank, EASY access....its simply a pigtail with 4 wires that clips on...Sometimes, the plastic is brittle and fails, or a PO had removed it, and never fully clipped it back on, etc.....Just crawl under and you'll find it immediately...
THe rear tank....Total PITA....THe sending unit is on the top, in the center, directly in the front of the tank, look straight above the differential....Again, not BAD...Just a PITA because there's a brace/crossmember support for the bed there, etc...
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Logistics Pro
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From: Earth
ok cool, on it, thanks wes for the info, just after I posted my question I found a picture in another thread that showed the tank after someone removed there bed LOL but thanks for the info, going to try it out!
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