Fuel gauge reads empty??

[mmathias]

hey all,

i've searched around on this and other forums and can't seem to find a posting or a solution for it...My '99 cat (v6, no mods) runs so-so, but it was much better 40K mi ago...

Anyway, from time to time, and most noticably after I fill up the tank, the fuel gauge will shoot down to empty! I have to turn the car off and on a few times before it corrects itself.

So my question is- is this a serious problem? If so, how do I fix it?

When this happened a few weeks ago, I was in Tahoe and decided to ignore the 'empty fuel warning'. I knew the tank was full, as I had gassed up the night before. Anyway, after driving about 20 miles with the 'empty tank' the engine blew up. Literraly. Now I don't know if what happened was related, but in the end Ford had to replace the entire engine and luckily my warranty covered it. I asked the dealer, and they said that the engine blew because a bearing came loose, but they did not mention a fuel-related problem.

Any insight would be much appreciated guys and girls!

[NorCalCoug]

Fuel level sensor in the tank is bad. Replace the unit.

The bearing problem is well know, take a peek around the forums about spun bearings.

[mmathias]

You're right about the spun bearings- seems common with ford cars. Luckily, my warranty took care of it.

With the fuel sensor, is it critical I get it replaced? How much should it cost, with labor?

[Goldie]

I've noticed, since the car was new, that if you have the key on (no self-serve gas in Oregon , so will keep the radio on while it's being filled), the gauge will not register the tank's been filled until it's sat with the key off for a few seconds. Just turning the key off and back on doesn't reset it.

[mmathias]

what concerns me is that usually the gauge will register a full tank after a fill-up, but then after a few miles of driving it will suddenly read empty...is this serious, or could I get by for a while without a fix...?

[LostRacer]

I'd start counting your miles if you have't already till your next fill up...The fuel warning light will chirp at 50 miles left in the takn, so I'd keep an eye on that till you get it fixed.

[MrFroge]

Originally posted by: Goldie
I've noticed, since the car was new, that if you have the key on (no self-serve gas in Oregon , so will keep the radio on while it's being filled), the gauge will not register the tank's been filled until it's sat with the key off for a few seconds. Just turning the key off and back on doesn't reset it.

If you have the high-end radio, the radio can be turn on by just pressing the radio "on" button. No need to have the ignition on.