Fuel gauge questions....

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I've noticed something about my fuel gauge, and I'd like to know if this is common or not. I suspect that the sending unit is going bad, but I don't know if if would cause the following behavior.
Is the fuel gauge linear???? I usually have 275 miles on the tripmeter when the gauge registers 1/2 tank. But, the needle plummets after that, and I'm at 1/8 tank with about 375 miles. I figure I should be around 490 miles at this point, based on an average of 70 miles per 1/8th tank. The driving conditions don't vary during the tank, it's all stop and go freeway congestion. Nothing like I-405 between Renton and Bellevue. Anyway, just wondering... ...
Scott Collins
'98 Ram 2500 4x4 12 valve Cummins
Renton, WA

 

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Mine's doing the same thing except it starts right off the bat. I should show (historically) around 160-170 at 3/4, and by 1/8 it should show about 525 or so. Now, I get to 3/4 at about 120 and by the time I'm showing 1/8 and the light is on, it's showing about 350 give or take. Last fill up, I went a week with the needle pegged on the empty pin (I had watched my mileage closely to be sure) and at 450 miles filled up. Took 23 gallons. I already had one replaced under warranty because it just quit so now I'm working with my dealer to get another under warranty; the first went at 11,000 miles and I'm at 43,000 now. We'll see.

 

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I've never had any kind of vehicle with a linear fuel gauge. I suspect that you'd have to have a square or retangular tank that was always level for this.

I can only add that once the fuel light comes on and the bell rings, I've still got 8. 25 gallons left in the tank (if the capacity listing is correct).

And, I seem to be able to put another 2. 25 gallons IN the tank after the first shut off.

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Y2K 3500, 4WD, Auto, 3. 54, Custom Brush Guard, Mopar nerf bars & rock guard, Camper package, Towing package, all options except leather, Mopar Rock Guards, Vent Shades, Solar Shade, RoseWood Dash, Air-Lift Air Bags, Hadley 'BULLY' air horns, Rancho RS9000s, Lance 1130 Camper

 

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Scollins,

I also have a '98 12V and my guage acts almost exactly as yours. I'm at about 48K miles on mine. Either we both have quirky senders or it's just a trait with these trucks.

JK

 

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I agree with wcharlie,every rig I've had seems to sit on full for quite some time,once the needle starts moving,it moves faster and faster on it's way towards empty

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,driftwood,Banks&phscotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

 

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Mine does the same thing, welcome to the wonderful world of Dodges electrical system

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96 SLT Laramie CC 5spd, 3. 54, no muff, no cat, 5"turn down tip
80gal fuel capacity. BD Brake, EGT,Boost + fuel pressure gauges. Member NRA/USPSA

 

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Just a few comments from "older" posting experience about this and -----
1. after pump shuts off, do not add fuel, this has been traced to the "failure" of the guage (the float gets over the top on the pivot???)
2. all Mopars have the "reserve" on the full end
3. dont go the "distance" as you can run out of fuel (usually 5-8 gals remain at the light/ding - its for your pump and lube protection)

Just an "unwanted" 0. 015$ worth and take it for that --- but check the older posting on this subject.

SOTSU!!
\\BF//

YEA - BUSH!

 

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My 2001 does exactly the same thing.

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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover