GAS Gauge issues

[John501]

My 1990 Ford ranger custom 2.3 L 5 speed is having fuel gauge issues. With the key off the fuel gauge always rests around 1/4-1/2. The second I turn the truck in it goes to 0. I replaced the OEM fuel pump assembly, and it does the same thing. So I believe that rules out the sending unit. What could cause this issue, is there a ground I should check, or is it the gauge itself? A friend said it sounds like an open wire, how would I check? I not great with electric stuff, but I'm willing to learn if anyone can help.

Thanks,
John

 

[CavVet2]

Mine was doing the same thing on my 98 std cab stepside. I unbolted the bed and moved it back a couple of feet to access the fuel pump/sending unit in the top of the fuel tank and pulled that assembly. The fuel pump was working and didn’t want to replace it if I could help it. I cleaned the sending unit board and contact, bent the contact part to make sure it had a good contact tension on it and put it back together. Gas gauge works great now and I no longer have to use the trip odometer to know when to fill up. Simple fix. Effective results.