Dargo

I know this has to have been addressed before, but I've used the search function over and over and I can't find any threads on fuel gauges not working right. My fuel gauge has now decided that the most it is going to read is just over half full. I ran fuel out on the ground again this morning because I thought that I'd need 15 gallons or so because the gauge showed just over full. I only needed about 3 gallons. Since I don't drive the truck very often I don't always recall how much fuel should be in the tank. I recall seeing other older Dodges with their fuel gauges not working, so I assume someone else must have this issue.

Any ideas where I should start looking? Fuel sending unit? Fuel gauge itself? I don't want to always be wondering if I have any fuel in the tank. Thanks.

Mr. Jimmy

Pull the sending unit and check it.

pullmaxdude

Mine was doing the same thing; Replaced dending unit; Problem solved

pullmaxdude

SENDING UNIT!!!!

Dargo

Thanks guys. Now all I need to do is find that sending unit. Would that thing be a "dealer only" part, or might I find it somewhere else? I'm kinda hoping that it's not a really expensive thing.

Mr. Jimmy

I paid about $75 at dealer for a 1995 model.

infidel

Dealer only, many will tell you that you have to buy the entire module for about $300.
This isn't true, the sending unit alone is available for around $40.
I have the part number at another computer, will post it later.

JARHEAD

Definitely sending unit. Pulled my bed off to change it. Took about 1.5 hours for the whole job.

infidel

Dodge p/n 4797738 all senders, diesel, '94-'97 $49
Last time I bought one here
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...cfm?siteid=835

Dargo

Thanks again! I have one ordered. Do you really have to take to bed off to install?!

infidel

You don't have to take it off but it's easier to tilt the bed than it is to drop the tank. Just remove the four bolts on the driver's side that hold the bed down and loosen the ones on the pass side. Disconnect the fill and vent hoses from the tank and tilt it up. Two people can easily tilt it and wedge a 2x4 between the frame and bed to hold it up. You only need about 18" clearance between bed and tank.

BlueRam01

There are instructions on Fritz's Ram Page describing the procedure to repair the pivot of the fuel level sending unit. Click here
I was going to do it on my 1500 but got the entire pump assy instead because it won't hold pressure at the injectors anymore.
Thanks for the tip about tilting the bed sideways. I was going to run the tank down on gas and drop it but I think tilting the bed might be easier.