Need a New Fuel Level sending unit

[crabman]

Looking for a new fuel level sending unit for my 98 12 valve. The one that attaches to the fuel tank module itself. Online dealers all say that it is no longer available & local auto stores do not have them listed at all.
Will a new complete 96-97 fuel tank module work?

 

[FHerault]

Is your problem related to the rusted metal part where the lines are attached ?
If yes, I have been this way too and it's no longer available.
There were complete units on ebay and amazon but very expensive.
You could try this :
http://tristarrradiator.com/dodge ram diesel page/dodge ram diesel page.html
Expensive too but seems to be a quality part.

Since I had no money for that I went this way : (cost me time and some fittings...)

 

[BarryG]

I do not think that module will work. I suspect it will fit and suck fuel and all that but I don't think the fuel gauge sending unit will read the fuel correctly. I think it has to do with the capacitance of the fuel sender being different than what the gauge is looking for 98.5 -02 I think is the same and pre 98.5 is different. You might try calling Vulcan Diesel performance they sell a variety of fuel system upgrades including replacement modules from a jeep liberty or something like that in any case they probably know the answer for sure and may be able to steer you in the right direction for replacement part sender or otherwise.

 

[mwilson]

Using a '97 VIN I come up with the following...

If the fuel module is original then the part number for the sender alone is 4897670AB.

If the fuel module has been replaced in the past by a new MOPAR module (04897668AF) then the sending unit part number is 04897669AB.

Please PM your VIN if you want to be sure.....

Mike.

 

[crabman]

MWilson, thank you for the helpful post. PM has been sent.

 

[fest3er]

The '97 unit will not fit as-is on a '98. For the top, you can take parts from the '97 and install them on the '98 plastic lid. The resistor plate on the float is also not compatible; you'll have to take that unit apart and swap the plates. If your gauge is erratic and dings a lot, you'll likely have to modify the 'swing arm' and very carefully put a 'v' in it using somewhat gentle bends as opposed to sharp bends. Sharp bends will weaken the coppper. In essence, change the arm from '---------' to '----^----'. This will shorten the arm just enough to move the contact point to a fresh arc on the resistors.

I did this on my '98 5-6 years ago and it's been working fine since. The gauge dropouts vanished and haven't come back. I even reused the old pivot parts which are worn and rattling; I *should've* used the new pieces.

But be *really* careful how you put the basket back together; take notes of the operation as you disassemble. I dropped my tank four times before I got the valve at the bottom working properly. Engine died on the highway because the basket ran dry; I had over a half tank of fuel in there.

 

[mwilson]

I have looked it up but still there is a choice.

Bear in mind that I have access to Dodge parts look up via Repairlink which is sponsored by one of our local dealerships. It seems pretty accurate by VIN but I don't have access to the bulletins, etc. like I would for Freightliner, Western Star, Sterling, Thermoking, etc...

So I'm running blind as far as the whys, back story, supercession chains, etc.....I can only present theories but I should be pretty close with most of them..

It appears that replacement Fuel Module part number was changed after production ended on the 12 valve trucks and the fuel module design was either changed (maybe to take care of some small issue), sourced from another vendor or a combination of the two..regardless of why it was done it affects the part number for the fuel level sender.

If the module has never been replaced then the sender part number is 4897670AB

If the module has been replaced at some point (04897668AF is the part number for the entire replacement module) then the sender part number is 04897669AB

So if one has owned the truck since new and the module has not been replaced I would order 4897670AB and fully expect it to be the correct one.

If you bought the truck used all bets are off.....

Where this is such a miserable, rotten job that a guy only wants to do once I personally, no matter what, would have both senders at hand. Then return the one that I did not need.

Hope this helps!!

Edit...this is the parts note shown...

Chrysler
Usage: IF THE DIESEL TRUCK HAD THE FUEL MODULE REPLACED AND THE NEW ONE WAS 04897668AF, THAN THE LEVEL UNIT WILL HAVE TO BE 04897669AB, INSTEAD OF THE 04897670AB All Diesels Engines
Callout: 7 – Add To Selected

 

[Missouri Mule]

There was a fix for the fuel level sender. A short time later later another member had a similar fix which was easier and as I recall more permament.
I believe I printed it out. But it mite take me a few minutes to a couple of weeks.
Try googling it.