2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Fuel Level Sender Units

[DonTX]

My new to me truck has no working fuel level indicator on the dash. It apparently failed back when almost brand new, and was never replaced. I have no problem with putting in a new sender, but not if it will only last a few months. Has there been any upgrades to the tank fuel level sender unit? Anybody make an aftermarket sender that is better than the original?

I am aware of the DIY fixes for the original, but prefer a more permanent fix. Suggestions, or comments anybody?

 

[RON'S RAM]

I did the do it yourself fix about 90,000 miles ago. Still working now.

 

[WDixon27]

i cleaned and tweaked mine about 11k miles ago when i got the truck with a non functional gauge, light works and everything, it's not hard to test with a multimeter set to ohm's as you move the arm the reading should sweep cleanly

 

[Joe G.]

I did the DIY fix. The gauge worked but it was not accurate. Not worth the trouble. I got a new sending unit from Dodge. It works fine and has for quite a few miles. The MOPAR part number is 4797738 just in case they insist on selling you the entire fuel tank module.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

I had looked into changing to a capacitance fuel sender like used in aircraft - but what a change. They're $$$ and then you hafta design an adapter circuit to allow it to input our gauges ( and the CCD bus if you want low fuel chime). I decided not up the the engineering challenge right now!! Advantage would be no moving parts - whatsoever!!

 

[DonTX]

Thanks JoeG, I called the local MOPAR dealer, they have one in stock, price is only $69. I think that is the way I will go. I got to thinking though, I am assuming that is the problem, is there an easy check of the dash unit, like shorting out the wire or putting a resistor on it to make sure the tank unit is ok and the dash unit is the culprit?

 

[cksh8me]

There was a recall on the sending units in 97. You might see if your truck has had the recall if not then maybe they will fix it free.



Good luck

 

[Thomas]

The part is available for less if you can wait a few days.



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=titletext align=middle colSpan=4>Part Number Search Results : Mechanical Catalog </TD></TR><TR><TD class=tabletext style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ff9933 1px solid">Item Number</TD><TD class=tabletext style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ff9933 1px solid" align=right>MSRP</TD><TD class=tabletext style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ff9933 1px solid" align=right>Core Price</TD><TD class=tabletext style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ff9933 1px solid" align=right>Price</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tabletext vAlign=top>4797738 </TD><TD class=tabletext vAlign=top align=right>$60. 00</TD><TD class=tabletext vAlign=top align=right>$0. 00</TD><TD class=tabletext vAlign=top align=right>$41. 40</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tabletext colSpan=4>Electrical - Chassis electrical - Senders - Fuel gauge sending unit


FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT, All Models, Diesel Engine 1997


</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tabletext style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ff9933 1px solid" align=middle colSpan=4>Add to Cart Contact Us </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Joe G.]

Don,



There is a procedure in the service manual for checking the gauge by shorting pins in the connector to the fuel module. I have a '95 which has a different pin lay out than the '97 so I don't know which pins you need to use. If you don't have a service manual you need one.

 

[DonTX]

Wow Thomas, thanks lots, that is the kind of help TDR is famous for I think, will order one I guess.

I was unable to find any recall on the fuel sender for the 97 cksh8me, do you have a reference?

JoeG a FACTORY service manual is a must for me, I have been outbid on all of them on EBay lately, guess maybe a new one from GENO's may have to happen.