Fuel Guage Problem
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 25
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Fuel Guage Problem
My fuel guage on my 1988 F-250 with dual tanks is acting erratic. When I fill it up it stays at full until its down about 8-10gals. Then the needle starts jumping from 1/2 to empty to full. When I show empty and the needle isn't moving, there is about 6gals remaining.
This happens with both tanks not just one. My guess it isn't the units in the tanks. Could it be the Guage, printed circuit or a resistor? I'm not sure if there is a resistor on the back of the Dash panel. This is a gas version with a 351M extended cab & 8ft bed.
This happens with both tanks not just one. My guess it isn't the units in the tanks. Could it be the Guage, printed circuit or a resistor? I'm not sure if there is a resistor on the back of the Dash panel. This is a gas version with a 351M extended cab & 8ft bed.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 146
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Fuel Guage Problem
I've got an unstable guage myself. I usually go by miles I've driven on the trip odometer.
That's on top of lots of other "wierd" stuff happening to my new truck. I wonder if Ford executives drive Ford trucks?
Maybe Chevy wasn't so bad after all?
Please say I'm wrong.
2002, CC, 4x4, SB 1,000 miles!
That's on top of lots of other "wierd" stuff happening to my new truck. I wonder if Ford executives drive Ford trucks?
Maybe Chevy wasn't so bad after all?
Please say I'm wrong.
2002, CC, 4x4, SB 1,000 miles!
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Always close to a gas station
Fuel Guage Problem
Sorry- you are not wrong. I work for Ford and drive past head office every day and in the summer there are a whole whack of convertible mustangs and in the winter there are the same number of explorers. Besides even if they did drive trucks and had a problem they wouldn't care cause they are going to get a new one in a couple of months anyway.
As for the fuel gauge. I had a 1988 f150 5.0 with dual tanks and experienced the same erratic behaviour you have described. I never checked it out but your logic sounds good. Several times I ran both tanks down near empty and that would start the gauges going all over the place. Having said that it would also happen if I only ran one tank down, switching to the other tank with more fuel would give a stable and accurate reading. My thinking is that it is a sender problem. It should not interfere with fuel delivery and I'm sure the labour and parts required are not worth fixing it.
As for the fuel gauge. I had a 1988 f150 5.0 with dual tanks and experienced the same erratic behaviour you have described. I never checked it out but your logic sounds good. Several times I ran both tanks down near empty and that would start the gauges going all over the place. Having said that it would also happen if I only ran one tank down, switching to the other tank with more fuel would give a stable and accurate reading. My thinking is that it is a sender problem. It should not interfere with fuel delivery and I'm sure the labour and parts required are not worth fixing it.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Always close to a gas station
Fuel Guage Problem
I think each tank has its own sender and pump in the tank. You have to re&re the tank to change them. You may be able to just let them hang and gain access, but I would anticipate some rust. Take the time to put the tanks on the ground and ease the frustration level. There is also another pump mounted on the right frame rail that both tanks share. That pump should be beside the fuel filter.
