Fuel gauge not reading

DN4192

MEMBER
1998 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
128,000 MILES

I am finding that my gas gauge is not reflecting the actual amount of gas in my tank. It was working fine, but on a fill up recently the gauge only showed me having about 3/4 of a tank when I know it was full. But the gauge didn't move for a while during driving, or when it did move it would go back to that location. It does show it going down as I drive, but each time I fill up it doesnt' reflect that on the gauge.

1 Reply

DANAUTHIER

MECHANIC
156 POSTS

Could be a ground issue, check wiring for loose, broken or corroded wires.
Sulfer from the fuel could be built up on the resostat of the fuel level sensor in the tank. Try using a good quality fuel injector cleaner in the tank and see if it affects the operation. If it is a build up of contaminates on the sensor, this may clean the contacts. I always suggest this with fuel gage problems like you describe, I am in NW PA and our fuel has a high sulfer content, I see it quite often.
With the age and mileage it could be an issue with the gage in the cluster, I've only run into that being the cause of your condition once though, and the needle was stuck just above 1/2 a tank and would not move.
Here's a couple of ideas, let me know if they help.
Dan