2003 Dodge Ram 2003 Dodge Ram - Fuel Gauge Glitch / Problem

HASLEPI

MEMBER
2003 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

I filled my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4 with gas and the gas gauge was working fine. I drove a total of about 50 miles stopping at various locations and still no problems. I started home and noticed the gas gauge had starting showing empty, the fuel light came on the check engine light did not.

The truck was still running fine. I stopped and checked the gas cap and it was tight. I then stopped at a service station to see if I could see a problem. I didn't. When I restarted the truck the gauge was working fine showing well over 3/4 of a tank. Drove about 4 miles and the gauge dropped to empty again.

Went home and the gauge was still not working. I later started the truck and the gauge was working again. Started the truck about a hour later, the gauge was not working.

What on earth could be the problem?

No code is given when checked with OBDII scanner, I guess it will not show a code unless the check engine light comes on which it does not.

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi:
THis problem won't set a computer trouble code. It is a problem with the fuel level float, a common problem. The float resister goes bad and you end up with the problem you described. The bad part is that the float is part of your (good) fuel pump which is located in the fuel tank. To replace the float, the fuel pump goes with it. It's not a fun job or a cheap one to have done or to do yourself.

If you decide to do it, run the truck as close to empty as you can befoire trying to remove the fuel tank. I realize you can't depend on the gauge to do that so you'll have to base it on miles driven.

Joe