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Faulty gas gauge

Tiny
MLS69
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
The problem started when the truck shut off while driving through a parking lot. It restarted immediately. Next day, fuel gauge showed empty and would not start. No warning lights or sounds. Fuel pump, spark plugs and wires, ASD relay, distributor cap was changed. Gas hand will sometimes show half a tank and the truck will run for a few minutes. Then gas gauge drops back to empty and truck shuts off again. Computer changed a couple years ago as well. Have any more suggestions? Please help!
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Thursday, August 30th, 2018 AT 9:51 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like it can be one of two problems. First there is a battery temperature sensor that can be shorting out causing the PCM to shut down along with the gauge operation or the PCM is going out again and if so I would replace the alternator because if one of the diodes is leaking it will take out the computer.

Here is a wiring test guide so you can see how the engine wiring goes and how the system works:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, August 31st, 2018 AT 1:47 PM
Tiny
MLS69
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  • 10 POSTS
I am certainly grateful for any suggestions. I will let you know what I find out! Thank you for your time.
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Friday, August 31st, 2018 AT 8:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Saturday, September 1st, 2018 AT 11:08 AM
Tiny
MLS69
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
The truck is actually in a garage at the moment. It has been there almost two months. Nobody seems to know what it is yet. I will write back whenever I get an answer or need more advice. Thanks again.
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Saturday, September 1st, 2018 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Okay, please let us know. :)
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Monday, September 3rd, 2018 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
MLS69
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Hello Ken,

It has been quite a while since I messaged you for advice. My truck was in the shop for almost four months. Then I moved it to another shop when they gave up. It turned out to be the computer and the ignition coil. Finally, I have my truck back! My husband is going to replace the alternator as well like you suggested. Thanks again for your help.

Michelle S.
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Sunday, November 18th, 2018 AT 9:28 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Thanks for getting back to us. Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, November 19th, 2018 AT 11:51 AM
Tiny
MLS69
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Thanks again. I will keep your email in my favorites file.
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Monday, November 19th, 2018 AT 3:33 PM
Tiny
CASPARKS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 56,000 MILES
Ignition will crank but will not start. Cannot see a gas leak.
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2018 AT 9:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try resetting security system if that doesn't work scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge autoparts rent it.
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2018 AT 9:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SONKSEN3
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 96,000 MILES
2001 Dodge Ram2500 Diesel. When Fuel gauge reads 3/4, tank is at 1/4.
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2018 AT 9:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,730 POSTS
Check the sending unit in the gas tank, wiring, connectors and grounds.
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2018 AT 9:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MAJORMAUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE RAM
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 220,000 MILES
Cummins
Fuel 1/2 tank
Reading empty on analog gauge, fuel tank empty light on and digital DTE gauge showing zero.
Truck runs and starts fine. Ideas?
Thanks
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2018 AT 9:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Chances are the rheostat is bad on the float unit. The bad part, it is part of the fuel pump assembly and in the tank.
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2018 AT 9:52 AM (Merged)

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