Fuel Gauge

[Automan1988]

Have a 91 ranger and the fuel gauge isn't working. I haven't had a chance to look in to it yet since it is my bro's truck, but I was just wondering if this is a common problem and if there is an easy fix. Also is there any tests that I should start with? The gauge just reads between E and 1/4. Any suggestions would help.

 

[VaGent]

Start by unbolting the bed & slide it back. Take the filler neck screws out first. Undo the lines going to the tank & remove the sending unit carefully. There is a plastic cover protecting the electric sending unit wiper arm that is connected to the float arm. Clean the wper arm contact with an eraser on a #2 pencil by rubbing it lightly. Spray some barke cleaner of contact cleaner on it after & reinstall the plastic cover. Inspect the brass float carefully for miniature holes as these floats have been known to leak. If the float is leaking(you can tell by shaking it & listening for liguid inside it), go to Ford & get a new one. They are around $10.00 each. Once you install the float in the metal holder, solder it in place so it won't move. BE CAREFULL soldering it as too much heat will melt a hole in the thin brass. Use very LOW HEAT wehn soldering it. It only takes a very samll amount of solder to hold it. I have fixed more then 50 of these sending units in the past 3 yrs for people. If you go to AutoZone they entire uint is over 150.00. A little time & patience can save you a bunch of money.

 

[rangerous]

Thanks

Ive had the same problem as well im anxious to try this when i get enough time to do it!

 

[greaseyfingers]

Start by unbolting the bed & slide it back. Take the filler neck screws out first. Undo the lines going to the tank & remove the sending unit carefully. There is a plastic cover protecting the electric sending unit wiper arm that is connected to the float arm. Clean the wper arm contact with an eraser on a #2 pencil by rubbing it lightly. Spray some barke cleaner of contact cleaner on it after & reinstall the plastic cover. Inspect the brass float carefully for miniature holes as these floats have been known to leak. If the float is leaking(you can tell by shaking it & listening for liguid inside it), go to Ford & get a new one. They are around $10.00 each. Once you install the float in the metal holder, solder it in place so it won't move. BE CAREFULL soldering it as too much heat will melt a hole in the thin brass. Use very LOW HEAT wehn soldering it. It only takes a very samll amount of solder to hold it. I have fixed more then 50 of these sending units in the past 3 yrs for people. If you go to AutoZone they entire uint is over 150.00. A little time & patience can save you a bunch of money.

is unbolting and sliding the bed, back, allot easier than, dropping the tank...
I've dropped tanks, before, on other non pickup vehicles to replace sending unit floats...

my ranger's gas gauge isn't working either, and have been thinking about replacing my float, too... and would like to do it the easiest way, possible, if you think sliding the bed back is easier, than dropping the tank...

 

[broken2wd]

has anybody else done this? im sick of using the odo for a gas gauge.

 

[RobbieD]

is unbolting and sliding the bed, back, allot easier than, dropping the tank...
I've dropped tanks, before, on other non pickup vehicles to replace sending unit floats...

my ranger's gas gauge isn't working either, and have been thinking about replacing my float, too... and would like to do it the easiest way, possible, if you think sliding the bed back is easier, than dropping the tank...

Having done it both ways, on a Ranger I'll pull the bed hands down over dropping the tank. That's my preference; others may prefer dropping it.