'04 Explorer Fuel Gauge
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'04 Explorer Fuel Gauge
I have a '04 Explorer XLT 4x4 with ~37k miles. When I fuel up the vehicle the gas gauge doesn't move, well actually it does but it takes upwards of an hour to get to the correct position. This only happens 30-40% of the time when I fuel up. The other times it registers the new fuel level immediately. Has anyone heard of this issue? And is there a known fix?
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If you leave the key on while filling, this will happen. Next time it happens, turn the key off then back on.. if the gauge goes all the way up then that was your problem.
Do not fill these up while running.. this can set a check engine light.
Good luck
Do not fill these up while running.. this can set a check engine light.
Good luck
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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Ford also issued a bulletin about high sulfur content in certain gasoline brands can cause a coating to form over the sender board assembly, which can cause sluggish and inaccurate fuel gauge readings.
The TSB recommends changing brands for a couple tankfuls and looking for an improvement.
Good luck.
The TSB recommends changing brands for a couple tankfuls and looking for an improvement.
Good luck.
New User
Joined: Dec 2006
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I have a 91 4X4 Ed Bauer. Twice the fuel gauge would start "acting up". Then it would stay on empty even though the tank was full. Sometimes when going fast around a turn, the gauge needle would move up slightly. With wire off I checked for voltage on the wire to the sending unit (with key on) good 12 v. With wire off checked for resistance to ground on contact where wire attaches to fuel pump, sending unit, float assembly, saw ohms on meter. Ford quoted $177 for new unit (float, sending unit, fuel pump all together). Salesman suggested I check float that is attached to this unit to see if had a hole in it and had "sunk" sure enough the float was partially full of gas. The floats are replaceable and available for $5.50 at Ford parts counter. The float snaps in to the arm and is easy to replace when the tank is lowered and the "unit" is removed.
Rather Be Floatin
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Marble Falls, Tx.
Bobo, on the 04 models you must the whole in tank unit as a unit. The float is not replaceable. they quit making it easy around th 94-95 models. I would try zach's suggestion, worth a try before replacing the unit.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Blades,DE
My 04 Explorer had the same problem. The dealer had to replace the fuel pump/sending unit. Apparently, it is a known problem with a TSB attached. They have to remove your tank to get to the unit.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Central NY
Originally Posted by MazdaRangerGuyInSTL
Ford also issued a bulletin about high sulfur content in certain gasoline brands can cause a coating to form over the sender board assembly, which can cause sluggish and inaccurate fuel gauge readings.
The TSB recommends changing brands for a couple tankfuls and looking for an improvement.
Good luck.
The TSB recommends changing brands for a couple tankfuls and looking for an improvement.
Good luck.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
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my gauge did this at a station I seldom go to- turns out this one has a very tight seal at the filler neck and high fill rate- my assumption was that it pressurized the fuel tank and caused the float to read low (way low)
Next visit to this station I stopped mid fill and pulled the pump spout partly out and let the fill neck vent any excess pressure-
I continued filling and vented again-
Voiola- no empty indication on the gauge. Coincidence? It has never happened since I began venting the tank during fill.
Next visit to this station I stopped mid fill and pulled the pump spout partly out and let the fill neck vent any excess pressure-
I continued filling and vented again-
Voiola- no empty indication on the gauge. Coincidence? It has never happened since I began venting the tank during fill.
New User
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I had the same problem with the gas gauge taking forever to register FULL. The garage told me that it was the high sulpher content in gas. ( It has happened 3x - all 3x from the same gas station) I was told to go to Advance Auto Parts and buy "Chevron Tekron Fuel Additive". Just pour it in your gas tank - guess it cleans off the buildup. I did this - have not had the problem since - but also don't go to that gas station anymore - I have enough problems with my 04 Explorer - don't need to go looking for them! Good Luck.
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
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My '05 did this sometimes, most of the time it would drop to below empty when the tank was in reality above 3/4 full. Took it in under warranty, they said run Techron through it, stupidly I did, did nothing...waste of time. Took it back in, they dropped the tank and replaced the fuel pump and sensor....all is fine now.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,489
Likes: 45
From: Central NY
[QUOTE=bmx045] they said run Techron through it, stupidly I did, did nothing...waste of time. QUOTE]
riiight, so it doesn't work for you, it's:
1) stupid
2) waste of time
only for you...Techron has cured problems for many people, many different vehicles, especially those that don't have top tier gas in the area.
riiight, so it doesn't work for you, it's:
1) stupid
2) waste of time
only for you...Techron has cured problems for many people, many different vehicles, especially those that don't have top tier gas in the area.
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
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Thats not what I meant, for THIS problem, I probably should of had them look at it before I went and tried that in order to "clean" the "circuit board" inside of the tank. I've used techron before with good results as far as engine maintenance...
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