Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel Gauge Trouble After Running Out Of Fuel

[_Hyde]

Ok, about a month ago I got a serious case of the DAs and ran my truck out of fuel. I had been pushing it with the little fuel light gleaming at me for too long. I lucked out and got to a station and proceeded to fill up. Put nearly 35 gallons in a 34 gallon tank and when I went to start it I got the just changed the fuel filter response so I proceed to bleed up to the VP and fuel filter and get going on my way. Not too bad I thought. About a week later I'm running down the road and start losing power and then it just dies. I was low but my light didn't even come on. Bummer, what's the deal? After seeing no fuel coming from the schrader on the filter while the running lift pump made very little noise I'm thinking I lost the lift pump. I decide to look at my trip odo and notice that I've got about 30 more miles on a tank than normal. I'm out of fuel again! The first time was a clear cut case of DAs but this time was different, I can usually travel a ways after the light comes on but I got no light! The light comes on when I power up but that's the only time it will come on. Has something happened with the float after dropping down all the way or is this the latest incarnation of fuel sender problems? Any ideas?



Darren

 

[Pit Bull]

Darren

Dead lift pump, maybe even toasted the VP44. Not a good idea to run out of fuel in a 24V CTD

 

[_Hyde]

I know I know. I've been preaching to the wife for years about not even running it low and now this. Had to eat a lot of crow on that. First time was pure DA but the second I'm pleading lite/gauge malfunction. The glove does not fit so you must aquit!The glove does not fit so you must aquit!

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Hyde

I know I know. I've been preaching to the wife for years about not even running it low and now this. Had to eat a lot of crow on that. First time was pure DA but the second I'm pleading lite/gauge malfunction. The glove does not fit so you must aquit!The glove does not fit so you must aquit!

Don't worry, your still under warranty I just would not make it a practice Good luck, I know my wife is alway busting my chops for something!!!

 

[jcbrown]

Fuel Level Gauge...

Ever since I ran out of fuel once, the gauge has been off. Don't trust it. When my gauge read's 1/4 full, it is really empty. I cannot use the low fuel indicator light.



Go by milegae between fill-ups.



When I ran out, it took 36 gallons to fill a 35 gallon tank. I lucked out being on an interstate off ramp with fueling station "down" the hill. Mechanic on duty showed me how to bleed the system after pushing and coasting the truck to a fueling pump.

 

[jwdeeming]

Me too!

I'm a slow learner - first time I ran out at 1/8 tank. (gauge reading). Second time was at 1/4. This week, I forgot to watch the odometer and it bit me again at just under 1/2 tank! Duh.

 

[Happy Camper]

I ran out on my first tank from the dealer, 4:30am, snowing and blowing and as luck would have it, I was able to bank on a door and someone answered without a gun. Dealer put in correct sending unit. I had a 60gal tank installed prior to picking up the unit. Not fun to run out. 46,000 miles and no problems so far.

 

[_Hyde]

I was wondering if there was a connection between running the tank empty and the fuell sender not working properly. I've grown rather fond of the idiot fuel lite that I ignored. I haven't heard much chatter about fuel senders on the more recent trucks but a friend and I both had 96s and we got good at swapping senders. Just wait til you've run a tank almost out to do it if you're going the bottom route.



Darren