Today the truck was idling for about 20 minutes, the tank is 50%full, the guage drops to 1/8 tank, and the light came on. A few minutes later the guage started reading ~1/2 tank. Drove about 30 miles and the tank is reading empty again with the light on. Just went and topped off the fuel tank again, and it is still reading empty.

I tested the gauge cluster, it shows to be working just fine.

I called the dodge dealer, and they have the "fuel leveling sensor" for 56.00, special order. prepay/no returns.

Before I but this part, I would like to know what ya'll think.

Does this look like the problem?

Can I read the voltage at the tank, and if so, what readings should I get?

Thanks, Chris

 

You lucked out.
Most Dealerships will sell you the whole assembly for around $400,
and don't even know you can get just the fuel level sender.

Yes, common problem with Dodge trucks throughout the ages.


phox

 

Okay.

The gauge is working today.

Do we still have the same diagnosis?

Was there just some junk in there blocking it? Do I NEED to go ahead and change it?

Thanks for the info.

Chris

 

Yeah it will start acting up again, garunteed. My familys dakota did the same thing, one day it started acting a little spiratic, then slowly over time got worse and worse and now it just sits on E with the light on all the time. I rarely drive the truck anymore and have been playing the trip mileage game with it (I hate dropping fuel tanks ) but sooner or later it'll have to get fixed. You don't need to fix it, the one on my familys dakota has been bad for years now, you'll just need to keep an eye on how far you've driven, what kind of driving it was, and how many miles you put on your truck since you last filled up.

And I second what phox has to say, I have yet to find a place that will sell me just the level indicator (the little float thingy). One more reason why the dakota hasn't been fixed, I just can't justify spending the money on a whole new sending unit for a truck that doesn't get driven.

Good luck with your fix, that is what it sounds like to me though and I do know that dodge trucks are very notorious for having them go bad.

- James

 

My truck is currently doing the same exact thing. Yes the problem comes and goes and just when you think well maybe it "fixed" it self the light turns on. It is really annoying espically at 5am when you are on your way to work lol