Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) fuel sender bad?

[Berrigan]

The fuel gage on my truck goes up and down one quarter to one third of a tank at will. I can park the truck with a level reading of one third full and the next day start it up and it shows empty. After a while of driving it will move back up. Then latter back down. Does this sound to you all like a bad sender? Thanks Bill

 

[ScottLewis]

My fuel gauge shows the same symptoms. When it was new, the gauge would oftem show empty just after filling up so the dealer replaced the sending unit, twice, under warranty. Problem diminished. Recently the up and down started. I just watch the mileage to know when to fill up. At $3. 09 per, that's less often than before.

 

[biggy238]

Mine does it at above full and below 1/4. makes tracking mileage by the gauge interesting. It will stay above full for 150 miles and then all at once drop to 3/4 tank. Then below 1/4 tank it's anybody's guess as to what it's got in it.

 

[cruiser_2]

My 98 2500 does this too only a little bit more unusual. When I fill up the guage goes to below empty! It will stay there until I shut off the truck and start it again. After that it will intermittently go down below E and then back up to somewhere on the guage. I have rung out all the wiring and all the wiring is good, and The dealer wants over 2000 dollars to fix it, but won't guarantee that it will fix it!!!! I have disconnected my annunciator/intermittent wiper control to stop the incessant ding every time it goes to below E. I have put up with this for about 300,000 miles (450+ on odometer) and resigned myself to not getting it fixed.

 

[GAmes]

You guys need to drop your fuel tanks and check out the sensor. I've done the whole job, by my self in less than 2 hours. The float assy is notorious for failing and costs about $37 at the dealer. The big donut gasket for the module comes with it.

 

[Berrigan]

It would seem that the sender is the place to start. Thanks for your responses. Bill