2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Fuel Gauge Pegged on FULL....

[Katmandu]

Just on my second tank since I bought the truck. Filled it up a few days ago, drove 180 miles or so and the fuel gauge is STILL pegged on FULL ??

Do I now need to replace the sending unit or is there maybe a bad connection somewhere ??

BTW, truck in question is a 98 2500.

 

[steved]

I always cured it by filling the tank again and then smacking the bottom of the tank with something (usually my MagLite)...



It would hang up once in a while, I never fixed mine, but it would hang about one in 50 times. I never thought it was a big deal since I record my mileage and fuel at each stop.



steved

 

[Joe G.]

The fuel gauge on our trucks is not exactly a precision gadget. It may not be hung. If it's still pegged after another 100 miles then you may have a problem. Mine stays on full longer than that. I have vented the bulges on the tank so it holds more fuel than stock. If it presists in being hung at full and banging on the tank does not help you may have a corroded connection. The connection on the driver's side near the body mount pad may need cleaning. It is exposed to everything you can splash up off the road.

 

[The Adjuster]

Mine normally stays on the "full" mark until around 200 miles,

at 300 it is at 3/4,

at 400 just a shade over 1/2,

at 500 right on 1/8 (the panic light also comes on around this time and the overhead DTE says 50 - 60 miles)



Go fill er up and she takes 26 - 28 gallons like clockwork (18 - 19 MPG @ 70 - 75 MPH)



I replaced the sender unit in my 2500 because it would run out of diesel when the gauge was reading 1/4, expensive lil piece of plastic is all I can say but now the gauge is somewhat reliable.



I use my odometer more than my fuel gauge ... Drive your truck and enjoy, get to know how many miles you can safely do per tank and forget about the fuel gauge, put some black electrical tape over it and go by your odometer / trip meter instead. (Just don't forget to reset your trip meter when you fuel up)



Kevin

 

[Katmandu]

I replaced the sender unit in my 2500 because it would run out of diesel when the gauge was reading 1/4, expensive lil piece of plastic is all I can say but now the gauge is somewhat reliable.

Kevin

Where is the cheapest place to by a new sending unit ??

.

 

[Katmandu]

I always cured it by filling the tank again and then smacking the bottom of the tank with something (usually my MagLite)...

It would hang up once in a while, I never fixed mine, but it would hang about one in 50 times. I never thought it was a big deal since I record my mileage and fuel at each stop.

steved

Well, I went out with my 2lb rubber mallet and whacked the *&^% out of the bottom of the gas tank and BINGO !!!!! My fuel gauge now works again!!!

Thanks STEVED!!

 

[steved]

When in doubt, brute strength and ignorance always prevail...



steved