Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel gauge failure?

[DWest]

My fuel gage is going south again, now it's out of fuel when it reads 1/3 of a tank to go. Looked on the Mopar Parts for less site and found the sending unit for $40 and change, is this all I'll need or is there some special tools I'll need? DWest

 

[Ramtough]

I don't know about the 02 but the float on the sending unit on my 01 was made of charcoal. I think hundreds of these units have failed. There a running debate about taking the bed off vs dropping the tank to get at the sending unit. I elected to drop the tank and the job went fairly well. The biggest challenge was geting the fuel lines disconnected. You have to get the tank down a little to make access easier and you need one of the special tools to release the clips on the connectors. Other than that, it's not bad. I would not consider taking the bed off. My bet is you will find a deterioriated float and a lot of carbon fragments in your tank.

 

[2broke2smoke]

small world ...



did mine this weekend ...



i took the bed off ...



six easy to reach bolts ...



two rear light disconnect and don't miss the two factory zip ties ...



and the fuel filler ...



1/2 hour tops and the bed comes off ...



no special tool needed ... just press the connectors GENTLY with needle nose and they come right off ...



my float was fine at 172k ...

 

[Ramtough]

This is good to know if I keep the truck long enough to have to do this again.

 

[2broke2smoke]

hopefully neither one of us will have to worry about it again ...

 

[DFerverda]

I agree pull the bed. As for the connectors, use a tywrap or wire tie, and some wd40 it will slide right off.