Low Fuel Light

[91 1/2]

HI!, My "Low Fuel Light" has not come on during my last 2 tanks of fuel. It will come on however, when the tank is low, when I turn the key to the "start" position but it will go out after a few seconds and will not come back on when I start the truck. Obviusly the bulb is good and I also replaced the "rely/module" on the back of the "message center" to no avail. The factory manual says for the sending unit "Fuel Tank Sending Unit With Low Fuel Lamp Switch" The parts guy looked up the sending unit but it didn't show any kind of switch at the sending unit. I cleaned the wiring connector at the tank too. Any suggestions or ideas? Thanks!!!!

 

[Jones]

Welcome aboard 91 1/2,
It sounds like the light is doing its job if it self checks and the comes on when you're low. I'm not sure what kind of reserve the light gives you (2 gal left, 5 gal left?) but you're probably just refueling before the tank switch closes. A good idea since you don't want to be in the deep woods on the far side of Hellingone, California and realize you're looking at the light. As far as working on the tank switch goes, they probably want the whole thing changed out as a unit so shorts/bad connections inside the fuel tank aren't a possibility. Not quite as bad as with a gas rig but it can still be quite spectacular. If you're still concerned about the light working then drive by your odometer the next time you fill up and see when the light comes on, with a little math, you should be able to figure out how much remaining fuel you have for future reference.
Happy motoring, Jones

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Jones
'84 Ramcharger w/CTD, non-gated 12, torqflite, NP205, Dana 60 and 70 w/ 3. 07s. Looks more or less stock.

 

[91 1/2]

Jones, Thanks for the reply. I forgot to mention that the gauge/needle still works as before. According to the manual, the light should come on with 1/6th tank left meaning 5 gals. Also I took it down to 2 gallons last time. When I took the wiring off to clean the connector, I grounded the wire sending the needle past "E" but the light still didn't come on. Also according to the owners manual in the glove box the "Low Fuel Light" doesn't do the "bulb check" Thanks. .

[This message has been edited by 91 1/2 (edited 03-02-2001). ]

 

[NOMOFO]

On my 93 W350, the first time I had the light come on I refueled almost immediately and it took 23 gallons in the 30 gallon tank. That seems like an extreme safety margin. I have pushed it to about 75 miles post warning but was sweating bullets at that point because I don't know how much of that 30 is really usable. Previous Ferd with 38 gallons between 2 tanks went dry on me several times after only 32 gallons consumed.

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

As I understand it the light will come on with about 6 gallons left in the tank. Mine has come on two times in 130,000 miles and I too was uncomfortable. The last you want to do is run out of fuel with a diesel - that's when the real fun starts. It's just not worth pushing that extra few miles.

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1993 250 4X2 - Banks Power Pack, BD Power Injectors, K&N Air Filter, 6 gauges and tweaked pump. 27lbs boost unloaded.
Horton fan & NV4500 5 speed.

 

[fastmark]

Bob, just two times? Thought that the low fuel light meant that you could streeeetch it a lot farther! Just kidding. I always run mine past the the low fuel light. Sometimes I go 75 miles. The most I have ever put in my tank is 25 gal. That time I went way over. That is not a safe pratice but I think they give plenty of room. To answer the question though is my response. I am converting a gas truck to a desiel so I put in a desiel tank. The low fuel switch appears to be a seperate circuit on the fuel sending unit in the tank. One is for the gauge and one is for the low fuel light. I have a service manual at the shop. I can look it up for you and let you know what color the wires are. I have a 92 and a 91 manual.

[This message has been edited by fastmark (edited 03-02-2001). ]

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Welcome 91 1/2,

I'm certain that the shop manual for the truck says the low fuel light will come on when you have approx. 1/6th of a tank left.
I think mine has come on perhpas twice since I've owned the truck. I never let it get that low since it starts to suck the pond scum at that point.

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93. 5 D250 4X4,HD Spring Pkg, Rancho 7000's, Rear Swaybar,Dual Shock Front Stabilizer,BD Injectors,31/2" Mandrel bent exhaust,16cm 'Hot End',Modest Pump Tweaks/Timed,K&N Air,Isspro Pyro,Tach,transmission Temp,Auto Meter Oil Filled Boost Ga. , 3:54's, 4 Speed Auto, Clubcab, Aftermarket Reclining Buckets w/ctr Drop Down seat/console, Black over Silver, 21psi,285-65R-16's,American Racing Clear Coat Mags, Amsoil 15W-40HD Marine,12,000 lb. Warn Winch,KC Spots. 101,300 Kms (63,000 mi's).

 

[Polarbear]

91 1/2, on my '89 the low fuel light uses a different sender than the guage. Maybe your low fuel sender is dead?

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'89 4X4, Banks intercooled, Banks Powerpack, 727 Auto, 3. 55 gears, GearVendors O/D, full guages, Ramsey winch, Transferflow 50 gal. tank, Alcoa rims, 265/75-16 tires, Chrysler trans cooler, National Spring 2. 5" lift springs, and a few odds and ends

 

[unclebilly]

Mine comes on at 1/4 tank. I usually drive another 50 - 60 miles and fill it up. It's been taking only ~22 gallons - I guess I can run the needle down to E.

Scott.

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91. 5 CTD 4X4, 5" Stacks, Tweaked Pump, 33" Boots (in the summer), Unlimited Slip,
<P><B><A Big, Bad Dodge