• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Overheating gas gauge circuit???


Rangergass

New Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2018
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Chicago
Vehicle Year
2002
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
3L stock
Transmission
Manual
Hi guys,

I know it sounds strange but my gas gauge drops to empty after the engine gets up to op temperature.
Happens faster on hot days, slower or not at all on cold days.
Always works at startup and seems accurate.
I'm pretty sure the tank isn't heating up so must be circuit in dash so thinking I will troubleshoot as outlined by "RayInStl".
Hoping somebody has some insights.

Thanks.
 


adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
Ford Technician
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
34,623
Reaction score
3,613
Points
113
Location
Dillsburg PA
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
31X10.50X15
Well the whole tank isn't heating up, but the sender might be.

The fuel gauge circuit is really simple. Power runs through the gauge, down to a resistor card in the tank, and as the float moves it changes the resistance. That resistor and the float are both attached to the pump, which does heat up.

This should be a fairly simple affair to trouble shoot. First time how long it takes the gauge to die. Then get under the bed, unplug the fuel pump, and find the yellow wire in the plug, then ground it. Then turn the key on. The gauge should go to full. Now time it, and if the gauge stays at full longer than the time it normally takes to die your sender is bad. If it dies on cue the gauge is probably the issue.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top