I have have a '97 RAM 2500 pickup that reads empty (light on) when I know I should have a quarter tank more than is showing on the gauge. The light should come on when I drive about 600 miles but it's coming on about 400. When I fill it full, the pump shows I only took about 25 gal. What is necessary to adjust the float? The prior owner had an auxilliary tank on it and removed it because I didn't want it. Could that have caused the problem? Is there an easy solution short of emptying, removing the tank to fix/replace the float?

Thanks,
Tim

 

Common problem in Dodge trucks.

It's a "drop the tank" or "raise the bed" fixit job.

Couple people have found cheaper fixes than getting the assembly from the Dealer.

Do a search for "Fuel Sender".


phox

 

Thanks phox

 

I just did a fix for the same problem, it was easier for me because I had the bed off. Take the sender unit out of the tank and then remove the float -sender units two screws. The wire float arm will just unclip (carefully) then push the pivot pin out the back of the sender ,at this point the contacts for the sender are free and you can put a new bend on them. Don't be afraid to put a good bend to them, I put a little on the first try and had to do it again. Don't know how long this fix will be good for but mine works perfect now.

 

Thanks WVAussie.

Tim

 

I ahd the same problem i did this and it has been good now for about 2 yrs. I definetly bent the little conector too.

http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/fuel...uel_sender.htm

 

Since I have a flat bed... pulling mine out the top was fairly painless. However, my assembly (the plastic) has worn significantly... I tried messing with it a bit, drilling it out some and fabbing up a new pin to hold it all together with less slop... still not functioning.

So... I decided to stop over at the dealership and drop $40-50 for a new one and immediate sure fix... UH, HELLOOOO? Try $88+tax and they have to order it?

I'm going to the steel yard tomorrow and buying some 14ga sheet... weld up an auxillary tank for the flatbed... 50-75 gal (not sure yet) for 'bout the same price. I'll just tie it to gravity feed into the oem tank. I've got a 90 ohm GM generic float I plan to put in the aux tank so I'll know when it's empty.

Anyone got a better source of OEM parts? I would like a functioning fuel sender someday for the oem tank.

 

mydodgeparts.com 94-96 fuel sender $54.00.

 

Wait a minute guys, I don't think Tim has a problem at all.
Most Rams read empty when the tank still has 8-10 gallons left.
Mine have since brand new.
It's Dodge's way of protecting us from our own stupidity and running out of fuel and to keep the fuel cool.
I wouldn't worry about it unless it's something that suddenly happened.

 

Mine never reads full when I've squeezed every bit into it I can. The gauge is always about a quarter of a tank less than what it actually is.

Tim