Lost the fuel pump!!!

[run2trouble]

Was told this morning that my fuel pump was no good!! On friday the fuel guage slammed to "E" and then on Saturday it went back to reading correctly! I had about 1/2 tank of fuel. The service mgr. told me it is a new problem with the '03's

so BEWARE!! The truck has 2,800 miles on it.

 

[Casey Balvert]

I don't thing there is a fuel pump in the tank. Probably just the fuel gauge sender. But then I might be wrong.



Casey

 

[Dean Upson]

If it's the sender, it's not a new problem. My 94 had it.



Dean

 

[scarlton]

run2trouble mine has done it oncs also but has not done it in about a month

 

[Steve M]

I read on this board some time ago and don't know who to credit but when you're filling up, don't pack the fuel in. When it clicks off, that's it. I like to round up to the next nickle but that's enough. So far it has worked for my '01. 5 and my '03.

The gas engine Rams have the lift pump in the tank as a unit with the fuel level sensor. That's probably what the service feller was thinking of. I ain't screered!

 

[dmurdock]

what's the problem with packing it in???

 

[MMeier]

Been "packin' it in" since day 1, takes a while but i can get an extra 4. 5-6 gallons in it this way! Just right for a 600 mile trip at speeds in excess of the posted limits!!!

 

[Got Smoke?]

I work for a caddy dealership connected to a Dodge stealer and they have had an '03 3500 in that the transfer pump went out on (heart sank when I saw it on a rollback!) they are hoping this isn't going to be the new lift pump problem.

 

[DHess]

Personally, I can't see how the pump could cause the gauge to act up. I agree that the problem is probably with the sending unit and it's not a new problem. That service manager should know better - at least the mechanic should. My gauge reads pretty close but the low fuel light doesn't seem to work - will take it in one of these days.



I usually top off the tank when I fill up. My '99 was no problem but the'03 is a bear. Even using the car nozzle running at the slow speed, I can get close to another 5 gallons in (50 cents worth at a time). The first time I did top it off was a shocker when I figured the mileage. The next top off got things back to normal.



I love this truck



Dave

 

[lschultz]

I been packing it in on everything I have ever owned. Had the sending unit go out on my 00 and they replaced the whole module

That one made me run out of fuel on the highway on my way home from work. And I had to have the wife with me :-{}

 

[kkirkpatrick]

Mine is also tough to get completely full, takes quite a while to pack. I also thought my low fuel light did not work. It does work, however, it does not come on until there is very little fuel left. I've had it come on twice and was able to get 33 to 33. 5 gallons in it. Not much left if they only hold 35 gallons. My 01 would come on with about 6 gallons left. Going to have to be careful and not push it on this one.

 

[TBOB]

PACKING IT IN

I was wondering if any of you ever looked at the hose routing below the filler neck? Mine was not supported at the hose connection, maybe it is bending there. I installed a support from the bed. Love the truck. Good luck. TBOB

 

[RKelly]

I've had the sending unit replaced TWICE on my '99. At 30,000 and again at 60,000. If they're still using the same unit as in the '99's, I would guess that's your problem. As you described it, I had very similar characteristics when mine failed.

It was under warranty both times, but next time, I'll just leave it, and use the trip meter as my 'fuel' guage.

Ray

 

[Parshal]

Originally posted by kkirkpatrick

it does not come on until there is very little fuel left. I've had it come on twice and was able to get 33 to 33. 5 gallons in it

I've run my truck for 100 miles with the low fuel light on and was only able to put 30 gallons in it which, incidentally, is the most fuel I've ever had to put in it. I pretty much ignore the light now.

 

[run2trouble]

Finally got my truck back

It was not the fuel pump!! They are telling me it was static electricity that made it hapen! They can not reproduce the problem, so nothing was done, I have had the truck back for two days and all seems fine so far. I hope it does not leave me somewhere!!!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Static electricity eh? Ridiculous, I think gamma particles are a more likely cause. Anybody else have an equally plausible explanation?

 

[run2trouble]

Personally I thought it was a loose nut behind the wheel!!

 

[RKelly]

Ya, "static electricity" is code for "beats us".

I wonder what happens if the fuel sending unit looses power (or has a loose ground connection). Would the needle slam to zero, or full?

When the sending unit in mine went (the first time) it was intermitant at first. Some trips it was perfect, other trips it would read full no matter what. If it happens again, I would be very suspicious of the sending unit.

Ray

 

[jlevesque]

most of the level units failures i see at the dealer are a result of

additives in the fuel that contaminate the circuit board on the

level unit, not allowing proper contact with the sweeper.



James

 

[RKelly]

That's interesting.

Are you referring to the "winterizer" or "anti-gelling" agent that the refineries put in the diesel during the winter months?

Or are you talking about after market stuff that people buy, and poor in their tanks?

I have never used the latter.