2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Erratic fuel gauge

[TacMedic6876]

I am having issues with my 99 dodge fuel gauge. The gauge will work normal when the tank is full or above half a tank. When you put the key in and turn it and wait form the wait to start light to go out the gauge will come up like normal as long as the fuel tank is above half, but if the tank is below half the gauge will fall to empty. The truck has a raptor fuel pump that was installed in the factory location but I am not sure if anything was done to the sending unit in the tank or how to determine which sending unit is in the tank, as I bought the truck used. Thanks for all the help

 

[JMcCoy]

Your problem will most definitely be the sending unit in the tank. There have been many write-ups on it. Geno's Garage has a decent article on it, with pictures. Some have repaired theirs with success, and others have had to replace the whole sending unit, due to corrosion or the plastic got brittle. I don't know if Mopar, or aftermarket units have updated the parts or not. Maybe someone else who had done it can chime in. It is still on my to-do list. By the way, most find it easier to access the sending unit by lifting the bed, rather than dropping the tank. Good luck

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I replaced my sending unit a few years ago. The foam float was gone when I took mine out.....(they're known for this)
I lifted the bed but I had plenty of hands to help and it was no problem. If you have an overhead lift of any sort I think the bed lifting would bu much easier than dropping the tank.
I think I paid around $50 but honestly cannot remember what it cost me.

 

[TacMedic6876]

Thanks for the help.

 

[CESpitz]

I lifted my bed by taking the right side bolts loose but not out and taking the left side all the way out
than I used a floor jack with a block of wood to jack up the left side than I used 1/2" threaded rod
to make the bed stay up and safe did not need any help and it worked well. Good luck

 

[DAN V]

I am having issues with my 99 dodge fuel gauge. The gauge will work normal when the tank is full or above half a tank. When you put the key in and turn it and wait form the wait to start light to go out the gauge will come up like normal as long as the fuel tank is above half, but if the tank is below half the gauge will fall to empty. The truck has a raptor fuel pump that was installed in the factory location but I am not sure if anything was done to the sending unit in the tank or how to determine which sending unit is in the tank, as I bought the truck used. Thanks for all the help

I have had the same thing happen to me at least 3 times in the last couple of months. If the tanks is below 1/2 a tank sometimes the Low fuel Light will come on. I have to shut it off for a couple of minutes and restart and will go back to where it was. Looks like I might be lifting the bed off mine as well.

 

[TacMedic6876]

Thanks again for all the help you guys are the best

 

[bry1216]

Hello CNHarris,
I would like to know more about your repair.

My truck sits for a few weeks then I use it. The fuel gauge sits on empty (low fuel light ON) and after driving a while (20 min) the gauge slowly moves to the correct fuel level and works perfectly until the I need the truck again - sometimes even the next day I get the exact response on the fuel gauge.

Thank you.

 

[JMcCoy]

I fixed mine a couple months ago. I lifted the bed. I managed to repair it. I wish I took pictures. I reversed the silver metal D shaped bracket that holds the float rod in place. I made a couple relief cuts in it where the pivot post is. I then bent the tab, I created with the two cuts, so that it would apply the proper amount of tension on the post. Sorry for the poor description of my repair.

 

[bry1216]

Are there any instructions for lifting the bed on this website? Bolt locations and probably fuel fill bolt locations.

 

[JMcCoy]

Just crawl under the truck. You can't miss them. Have some buddies help you.

 

[GAmes]

Be advised that a sender is not always at fault. There is a complete troubleshooting procedure in FSM that checks wiring and the gauge.

 

[bry1216]

GAmes,
Please explain more about what FSM means and the link to it.
Thank you.

 

[GAmes]

http://www.genosgarage.com/1999-DODGE-RAM-FACTORY-SERVICE-CD/productinfo/DFSM99_CD/#.VTPiB0J_ljo

http://www.genosgarage.com/1999-DOD...MANUAL/productinfo/DFSM99_PRINT/#.VTPiIEJ_ljo

I prefer the paper version. No electricity required.