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Topic: Fuel gauge not working! (Read 4422 times) previous topic - next topic

Fuel gauge not working!

OK, all new Motorcraft tune-up parts installed
including plugs, wires, dist.cap/rotor, & TFI still
didn't make the TC run right, but they were original
40K mile/26 yr. old stuff & they were in dire need
of replacement.  Diagnostic testing showed the fuel
pump was bad, so it was replaced & VOILA, the TC
now runs like a 40K mile TC should!!! :D
Only problem is, I forgot to tell the mechanic the fuel
gauge didn't work! Doh!  I don't know if there was
anything he could have checked out while installing the
fuel pump or not, but too late now. 
The gauge just stays on empty even though the tank has
just been filled up!
Is there a sending unit in the tank that could be bad, or
would it be the gauge itself?  Probably my luck it's a problem
at BOTH ends.
Thanks in advance for any help with this.
Jeff

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #1 –
There is a sending unit in the tank, and they definitely go bad quite often on these cars after 25+ years.
FOXLESS!!

1994 Lincoln Mark VIII

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #2 –
Quote from: 20thanniver-ls;363116
There is a sending unit in the tank, and they definitely go bad quite often on these cars after 25+ years.

And evidently it's separate from the fuel pump, and I should have
had my mechanic check it & install a new one YESTERDAY when he
installed my new fuel pump! grrr :(
I know it's going to drive me crazy, but it will have to wait for a while.
I'll just keep resetting the trip odometer as always at each fill-up.
Thanks for the info 20thanniver-ls.
Jeff

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #3 –
It is in fact separate from the fuel pump, I'm pretty sure you can still buy new sending units, try rockauto.com if you're having trouble elsewhere .
FOXLESS!!

1994 Lincoln Mark VIII

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #4 –
I am sure they are obsolete. Not 100%. But you will need a resister unit of 10-80 ohms to make it work if thats the problem.
I spend money I don't have, To build  cars I don't need, To impress people I don't know

HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY!!

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #5 –
Quote from: TOM Renzo;363163
I am sure they are obsolete. Not 100%. But you will need a resister unit of 10-80 ohms to make it work if thats the problem.

You may be right. I think what I got from rockauto was just the retainer ring....
FOXLESS!!

1994 Lincoln Mark VIII

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #7 –
looks good for a conventional cluster , could be modified to accommadate the full digi but thats a different thread.

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #8 –
it says it's for a 23 gal tank...wish I had one of those to compare to ours........ on the ongoing quest for modding and replacing these
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Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
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Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #9 –
to be honest, its a wash ,, the difference between 21 and 23 gal may mean the difference between two or three ohms.

One thing is for sure, I know darn well why its for a broncoII, and not a bronco.

I also would like to complete the testing and reversing of common senders to include the additional resistivity required for the full digi cluster. 

atleast we have some decent dospoogeentation on what is known, I never have gotten my hands on a unit that can be modified as of yet.

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #10 –
I decided to finally check the owners manual & fuse # 17 (blue 15amp) is for
the fuel gauge!  Went to pull it, & it's missing!  To make matters even worse,
when I went to pop a new fuse in, the part that the steel pr0ngs slide into
isn't there!!:(  It's like someone broke out the holder part when they pulled
the old fuse!
No wonder the fuel gauge doesn't work.

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #11 –
If you have an buttstuffog gauge there is no fuse.
The 85 EVTM says fuse 17 is not used on 2.3L unless you have ATC.(Automatic Temperature Control)

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #12 –
hold on! This could be an early 85 thing. The 84 EVTM shows fuse 17 supplying power to the buttstuffog cluster IVR.
The 84 cluster has a fuel gauge but just a light for oil pressure and coolent temp.
The 85 has gauges for fuel, oil and temp. If you have the three gauges and the other two are working, then you have power to the IVR.

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #13 –
Quote from: softtouch;364462
If you have an buttstuffog gauge there is no fuse.
The 85 EVTM says fuse 17 is not used on 2.3L unless you have ATC.(Automatic Temperature Control)

According to my '85 owner's manual, fuse #16 is for the Electronic ATC.
Fuse #17 is for Electronic Cluster, Tripminder display module, OR fuel gauge on Non-electronic Cluster!

Fuel gauge not working!

Reply #14 –
Yeah I hear you. There is confusion in the dospoogeentation.
But if you have three buttstuffog gauges (non-electronic) they all use the same power source.

I think the Tech writers could not keep up with the changes.