Have a problem with gas gage, not working

WAYNES VAN

MEMBER
1994 DODGE VAN
44,000 MILES

Have a problem with gas gage, not working. Bounces back and forth, mostly stays on empty. What could be the cause. I have a parts van. The only difference is the wheel base that I know of.
1 shor twb and parts van has a long wb. Would the gas tanks float, pump assy. Be the same?

4 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,917 POSTS

That's due to a bad contact on the sending unit. No new parts are needed. Drop the tank, remove the pump assembly, and you'll see the float arm on the side. Carefully lift the little plastic finger holding the arm on, slide the arm off, and you'll see two brass tabs. One is for the gauge and one is for the "Low Fuel" light. Bend both of those tabs out a little. 1/32" will do it; I go 1/16" for good measure. Snap the arm back on and put 'er together. Yours might have only one tab. If it does, the Body Computer controls the warning light.

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Friday, November 9th, 2012 AT 8:51 PM

WAYNES VAN

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2 POSTS

Thank you! Hope that is all I need.

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Friday, November 9th, 2012 AT 9:04 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,917 POSTS

You used to be able to buy just the sending unit. It slides into a slot on the side of the housing, but the chances of it developing the same problem in a few years is high. Bending the tabs on the original one is a permanent fix. Holler back when you have it fixed.

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Friday, November 9th, 2012 AT 10:24 PM

JEFFREYDJUDSON

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19 POSTS

My father has a '94 Van that did this twice. Both times were a precursor of the fuel pump breaking. I know you didn't want to know this, but it may be something you may need to prepare for.

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Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 AT 5:58 AM