Possible causes of a dead fuel gauge (stock)???

929PhoenixSquid · 08-23-2002, 12:52 PM

My fuel gauge has been stuck on Full since I got the car. What I need to know, is if there is anything behind the dash that could be shot before I start tearing the tank off the rear....

82 GT · 08-23-2002, 02:48 PM

Hey, I have the same problem with my '88GT. I was told that it could be the sending unit in the tank or the gauge itself.
Mine is actually stuck past the full mark. It's weird because sometimes it will suddenly start falling to the empty mark and have the "low fuel" light come on and then slowly work its way back to past "full"
It could be a full tank of gas and it will still do it sometimes.
I'm thinking it's probably the sending unit with mine and yours as well. I just haven't had the desire to drop the tank and mess with it yet.

MidNiteBlu 5.0 · 08-23-2002, 03:18 PM

Mine stays at the beyond full mark until i have like a quarter tank left then it drops. Very odd lol. Sorry i dont have an answer to your question though hehe.

Later,
Nick

88fivepointoh · 08-24-2002, 09:37 PM

My 88 GT does the same.. now its complete stuck at beyond full with no drop ever.. Its supposed to be the sending unit in the tamk.. I priced out a new one from ford at $110 .. Now its just time to drop the tank and get her in.. good luck!

66StangGuy · 08-25-2002, 04:29 AM

im not sure if it works the same for you guys but in my 66 it all works off 1 wire to the sending unit and if that wire finds ground somewhere it will go all the way up past full. and if while driving around it comes off it will drop to zero and the fuel light will come on and then when it touches again it will go back up.. try connecting a battery and a volt meter to the sending unit before you take it out that way you can check it. not sure if its the same for the 80's mustangs but thats my .02

Mustang_289 · 08-25-2002, 07:24 AM

We've got the same problem with our 88GT - fuel gauge needed pegged past F. We dropped the gas tank and put a 190 fuel pump in. What's interesting while we had the wires disconnected with gas tank out - we turned the ignition key on to see if the fuel gauge needed dropped. Didn't move off F - so our thoughts were sending unit is fine. Rational was - if the sending unit was bad causing needle to peg - it would've dropped when the sending unit was disconnected.

JaxTheDJ · 08-25-2002, 09:41 AM

My 89 had the same problem,the fuel sending units are from what I understand,basically a piece of crap,Hooked an Ohm meter up to it and found it was bad,so to my understanding you have to replace it with aftermarket or live with it,I pulled my tank and installed a fuel cell .problem solved. The Ford sending units suck and they go bad. Pulling the tank is no big deal,2 starps and the filler neck slides off,make sure the tank is near empty not a big job.good luck.

Jack
1989 LX

Hozer 88GTConv · 08-25-2002, 12:07 PM

Definitely the sending unit....
It is easy to replace.
The most common failure points are the harness connectors at the top of the sending unit housing.
When you drop the tank you will easily recognize corrosion and fraying of the wires, and in some cases a failed plastic connector.
All it takes is any moisture/corrosion on any bare wire and your guage is worthless.
I have done this repair more times than I care to talk about...

929PhoenixSquid · 08-26-2002, 08:04 AM

Thanx for the advice guys. I appreciate it....even though I am NOT looking forward to dropping the stoopid tank...

82 GT · 08-26-2002, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hozer 88GTConv
Definitely the sending unit....
It is easy to replace.
The most common failure points are the harness connectors at the top of the sending unit housing.
When you drop the tank you will easily recognize corrosion and fraying of the wires, and in some cases a failed plastic connector.
All it takes is any moisture/corrosion on any bare wire and your guage is worthless.
I have done this repair more times than I care to talk about...

How much was that sending unit and where did you buy it from?

929PhoenixSquid · 08-26-2002, 03:49 PM

What about a resistor located behind the gauge cluster....? I've heard that can go bad as well...

Might be faster to try the $30 part than to begin tearing the tank off. GOod idea/bad idea???

Mustang_289 · 08-26-2002, 06:25 PM

a resistor sounds a whole lot easier to replace than droppin the tank again.

Hozer 88GTConv · 08-26-2002, 09:22 PM

I just went to the local Ford junkyard here in Jacksonville and got one off a SN95 wreck for free. I know they wouldn't charge anyone more than ten bucks for entire unit and the harness...
They are called "Rusty Acres" and they supply Ford stuff across the Southeast...

Mustang_289 · 08-27-2002, 05:57 AM

Hey Hozer - I'm assuming you mean you got a new sending unit and wiring harness from the junkyard... Let me know if that works; as I've got the same problem.. Good luck.

NewAge 5.0 · 08-27-2002, 12:49 PM

when the key is off the needle drops to empty and when the key is on its pegged past full.. thats how mine is and i was told maybe it was the Ground ??? i dunno

Mustang_289 · 08-27-2002, 03:06 PM

Ours stays pegged at all times regardless of key position. I'm thinking my problem is actually the gauge itself.

82 GT · 08-27-2002, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mustang_289
a resistor sounds a whole lot easier to replace than droppin the tank again.

I don't about that....... I think I'd rather unbolt the two straps that holf the tank up than to tear the instrument cluster apart and mess around with unhooking/rehooking that speedo cable.

DCON · 08-28-2002, 11:26 AM

That resistor in the back of the guage cluster is the slosh circuit and It went bad in my car, If you can get another one from a junk yard or know someone with and extra try that. It is there to eep the fuel guage from going crazy because the gas is sloshing around in the tank. I have seen more of those circuits go bad than guages or sending units. Just my $.02

Bobby

08-23-2002, 12:52 PM	#1
929PhoenixSquid Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Joosey Shore Posts: 358	Possible causes of a dead fuel gauge (stock)??? My fuel gauge has been stuck on Full since I got the car. What I need to know, is if there is anything behind the dash that could be shot before I start tearing the tank off the rear.... __________________ 1988 5.0 notch: Previously never modified!! SN95 block front and rear seats, Mac catback, BBK off-road H-pipe, Steeda castor camber plates, Steeda lowering springs, Tokico shocks/struts, Alpine/MBQuart/PPI audio mods...

08-23-2002, 02:48 PM	#2
82 GT Import Slayer Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 2,241	Hey, I have the same problem with my '88GT. I was told that it could be the sending unit in the tank or the gauge itself. Mine is actually stuck past the full mark. It's weird because sometimes it will suddenly start falling to the empty mark and have the "low fuel" light come on and then slowly work its way back to past "full" It could be a full tank of gas and it will still do it sometimes. I'm thinking it's probably the sending unit with mine and yours as well. I just haven't had the desire to drop the tank and mess with it yet. __________________ '82 GT 351W (.060)Comp Cams 274* Extreme Energy cam, ported & polished heads w/ 1.94/1.60 valves 10.3:1 flat top pistons,stealth intake, Mallory dizzy,Holley 750dp carb, BBK shorties,Flowmaster exhaust,C-4 with 3700 stall converter, B&M pro shifter,8.8 rear, 4:10's, subframes, electric fan, powermaster alternator, 4 core radiator.

08-23-2002, 03:18 PM	#3
MidNiteBlu 5.0 I got something to say Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,557	Mine stays at the beyond full mark until i have like a quarter tank left then it drops. Very odd lol. Sorry i dont have an answer to your question though hehe. Later, Nick __________________ 91 LX Hatch 5.0 - made for the twisties 89 LX Hatchback 5.0 5spd. stolen/stripped 4/7/05 http://www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/...splay.cgi?3494 1987 Toyota Pickup Ricer Haters Club Member #33 Want a custom gauge cluster for your Vintage Mustang? www.jmeenterprises.com

08-25-2002, 04:29 AM	#5
66StangGuy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Diamond Bar Posts: 258	im not sure if it works the same for you guys but in my 66 it all works off 1 wire to the sending unit and if that wire finds ground somewhere it will go all the way up past full. and if while driving around it comes off it will drop to zero and the fuel light will come on and then when it touches again it will go back up.. try connecting a battery and a volt meter to the sending unit before you take it out that way you can check it. not sure if its the same for the 80's mustangs but thats my .02 __________________ 66 mustang-292-Holley 4160-World Castings Windsor Sr.-Hooker super comp headers-MSD box & Coil.3.55 gears. B&M Z-Gate-Black leather racing seats with 4pt harnes.

08-25-2002, 09:41 AM	#7
JaxTheDJ Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Jacksonville,Fla. Posts: 134	My 89 had the same problem,the fuel sending units are from what I understand,basically a piece of crap,Hooked an Ohm meter up to it and found it was bad,so to my understanding you have to replace it with aftermarket or live with it,I pulled my tank and installed a fuel cell .problem solved. The Ford sending units suck and they go bad. Pulling the tank is no big deal,2 starps and the filler neck slides off,make sure the tank is near empty not a big job.good luck. Jack 1989 LX __________________ Jack 1989 Mustang LX: Converted to Carb.650 AED Holley DP,Weiand Stealth Intake,Edelbrock Performer RPM Aluminum Heads,Hooker Super Comps, Ground Pounder Uppers and Lowers,Moroso Drag Springs,NEW COMP Xtreme Energy Cam and 1.6 RR. ,a few other goodies.*** New 1/4 times-12.50 1987 SC GT ( fast as hell) 2001 Powerstroke Tow Vehicle 1989 Coupe. Sometimes when you cry,no one sees your tears.......... Sometimes when you are happy,no one sees your smile......... But,FART just ONE time..........

08-24-2002, 09:37 PM	#4
88fivepointoh Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rochester Posts: 553	My 88 GT does the same.. now its complete stuck at beyond full with no drop ever.. Its supposed to be the sending unit in the tamk.. I priced out a new one from ford at $110 .. Now its just time to drop the tank and get her in.. good luck!

08-25-2002, 07:24 AM	#6
Mustang_289 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 512	We've got the same problem with our 88GT - fuel gauge needed pegged past F. We dropped the gas tank and put a 190 fuel pump in. What's interesting while we had the wires disconnected with gas tank out - we turned the ignition key on to see if the fuel gauge needed dropped. Didn't move off F - so our thoughts were sending unit is fine. Rational was - if the sending unit was bad causing needle to peg - it would've dropped when the sending unit was disconnected.

08-25-2002, 12:07 PM	#8
Hozer 88GTConv Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 706	sending units... Definitely the sending unit.... It is easy to replace. The most common failure points are the harness connectors at the top of the sending unit housing. When you drop the tank you will easily recognize corrosion and fraying of the wires, and in some cases a failed plastic connector. All it takes is any moisture/corrosion on any bare wire and your guage is worthless. I have done this repair more times than I care to talk about... __________________ 1988 GT Convertible 331 10:1 TW heads, GT-40 intake, MSD, TRW flattops, B Cam w/ 1.7's, MAC exhaust, 24's, 70 TB, 76 MAF, 3.73's, Pro 5.0, Koni's, Anderson PMS, Wideband 02, yatta, yatta... One week with new motor, two speeding tickets...joy

08-26-2002, 08:04 AM	#9
929PhoenixSquid Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Joosey Shore Posts: 358	Thanx for the advice guys. I appreciate it....even though I am NOT looking forward to dropping the stoopid tank... __________________ 1988 5.0 notch: Previously never modified!! SN95 block front and rear seats, Mac catback, BBK off-road H-pipe, Steeda castor camber plates, Steeda lowering springs, Tokico shocks/struts, Alpine/MBQuart/PPI audio mods...

08-26-2002, 03:49 PM	#11
929PhoenixSquid Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Joosey Shore Posts: 358	What about a resistor located behind the gauge cluster....? I've heard that can go bad as well... Might be faster to try the $30 part than to begin tearing the tank off. GOod idea/bad idea??? __________________ 1988 5.0 notch: Previously never modified!! SN95 block front and rear seats, Mac catback, BBK off-road H-pipe, Steeda castor camber plates, Steeda lowering springs, Tokico shocks/struts, Alpine/MBQuart/PPI audio mods...

08-26-2002, 06:25 PM	#12
Mustang_289 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 512	a resistor sounds a whole lot easier to replace than droppin the tank again.

08-26-2002, 09:22 PM	#13
Hozer 88GTConv Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 706	Free.. I just went to the local Ford junkyard here in Jacksonville and got one off a SN95 wreck for free. I know they wouldn't charge anyone more than ten bucks for entire unit and the harness... They are called "Rusty Acres" and they supply Ford stuff across the Southeast... __________________ 1988 GT Convertible 331 10:1 TW heads, GT-40 intake, MSD, TRW flattops, B Cam w/ 1.7's, MAC exhaust, 24's, 70 TB, 76 MAF, 3.73's, Pro 5.0, Koni's, Anderson PMS, Wideband 02, yatta, yatta... One week with new motor, two speeding tickets...joy

08-27-2002, 05:57 AM	#14
Mustang_289 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 512	Hey Hozer - I'm assuming you mean you got a new sending unit and wiring harness from the junkyard... Let me know if that works; as I've got the same problem.. Good luck.

08-27-2002, 12:49 PM	#15
NewAge 5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Sanford NC USA Posts: 155	when the key is off the needle drops to empty and when the key is on its pegged past full.. thats how mine is and i was told maybe it was the Ground ??? i dunno __________________ 88 Hatch 10.60's @ 130 89 Hatch Not as fast but holds its own

08-27-2002, 03:06 PM	#16
Mustang_289 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 512	Ours stays pegged at all times regardless of key position. I'm thinking my problem is actually the gauge itself.

08-28-2002, 11:26 AM	#18
DCON Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: ABQ,NM Posts: 32	That resistor in the back of the guage cluster is the slosh circuit and It went bad in my car, If you can get another one from a junk yard or know someone with and extra try that. It is there to eep the fuel guage from going crazy because the gas is sloshing around in the tank. I have seen more of those circuits go bad than guages or sending units. Just my $.02 Bobby __________________ DCON kills rats dead.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Stock Fuel pressure	TMASTER	Windsor Power	4	06-17-2003 12:59 AM
stock fuel gauge w/fuel cell	sn95gt19	Windsor Power	4	01-06-2003 12:23 PM
Fuel Pressure Gauge	Scrapla	Windsor Power	3	01-02-2003 03:39 PM
Fuel pressure gauge...	bobtodd	Windsor Power	6	08-04-2002 10:18 AM
65 Fuel Gauge Ohm value	Larry Cooley	Classic Mustangs	0	07-04-2000 09:53 AM