fuel gauge problem
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
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fuel gauge problem
I have a 1996 F250 PS with dual tanks. The front tank gauge is reading empty even though it is full. I have it empty now and it still reads empty (which it should!). Any thoughts on a test and if you know what is wrong can you tell me. I assume it is the sending unit as I had to replace my 1987 4 times. Is this still located in the tank? Do I have to visit Ford for the part?
Thanks much, Jim
Thanks much, Jim
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!!
It might be the sending unit.
it shows how much is in the other tank right?
I don't know too much about the sensor in there. (reference voltage) check and make sure nothing came unplugged first.
it shows how much is in the other tank right?
I don't know too much about the sensor in there. (reference voltage) check and make sure nothing came unplugged first.
Last edited by drewcoolness99; Mar 4, 2004 at 04:00 PM.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Kentucky Go Cats
I have a different problem
When i put gas in the needle goes way past full and wont move .it doesnt matter if i put in ten gallons or five.i can drive it a couple days.then a it will bounce around a few times for about ten miles then it will settle on1/4 tank.It does this on both tanks
The other problem that makes this worse is my speedo is so far off that it makes it hard to tell how many miles i ve driven on a tank
What will happen if i drive it on 1 tank until it runs out
I think i still have about 5or6 gallons left when it hits empty
When i put gas in the needle goes way past full and wont move .it doesnt matter if i put in ten gallons or five.i can drive it a couple days.then a it will bounce around a few times for about ten miles then it will settle on1/4 tank.It does this on both tanks
The other problem that makes this worse is my speedo is so far off that it makes it hard to tell how many miles i ve driven on a tank
What will happen if i drive it on 1 tank until it runs out
I think i still have about 5or6 gallons left when it hits empty
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I did that for to ensure my tank was empty in case I had to change the sending unit. Of course it was up hill. I just switched over to the other tank and moved to the shoulder while the power resumed. I am sure it isn't super for the engine, however mine is still running and it is a 7.3 PS. I had the problem you do in my 1987 F150. I had the sensor swapped out about 4 times as they seem to be a problem and I wish Ford would had figured that out with their supplier. Perhaps they have now. Good luck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,420
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From: Langhorne, PA
I am working on the same problem for my truck. I bought a sender from the dealer for 40 dollars. The assy, is basically a potentiometer with the float to drive it up and down. The new one in my hand looks like a fragile wisp of plastic. No wonder I'll be on my third front sender. The rear has never gone bad.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
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I have the same thing with my rear tank. You have to get the whole pump with the sending unit in it.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: New Jersey
Originally posted by drewcoolness99
if i bought a potentiometer from an electronics store coudl i use it? Or could the gas do something to it? I believe i have seen metal ones but, I might be thinking of variable resistors.
if i bought a potentiometer from an electronics store coudl i use it? Or could the gas do something to it? I believe i have seen metal ones but, I might be thinking of variable resistors.
No...... thats not going to work.... off the shelf potentiometers have too much friction for a little plastic float to move.
Plus, you'd need a 15-160ohm potentiometer
