1992 Ford F-150 Gas Gauge

DUSTMAN

MEMBER
1992 FORD F-150
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
157,000 MILES

My front tank gas gauge reads empty but engine runs fine. Switch to rear tank and gauge moves but engine stops. Switch back to front tank. Gauge goes to empty and engine runs fine.

Is this 2 problems and where/how do I start?

Saturday, August 14th, 2010 AT 3:08 AM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

There are seperate float assemblies in each tank. It sounds like the rheostat on the float is bad and sending a bad signal. However, before tearing into the fuel tank, I would recommend having the BCM checked. The rheostat sends a signal to the BCM and then it goes to the gauge. This may cause a lot of headachs removing the tanks.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Saturday, August 14th, 2010 AT 11:20 PM

DUSTMAN

MEMBER
15 POSTS

What is a BCM and how does one check it?

Also, someone mentioned a valve the switches from one tank to the other. Where might that be?

What might be causing the engine to stop when switching to rear gas tank? Engine will not start until switched back to front tank.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, August 15th, 2010 AT 2:39 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

A BCM is a body control module. Basically, it runs several things on the vehicle's electronics. In 82, I believe they were behind the driver's side kick panel. You will need to have it checked.

As far as the tanks, that is a good question. When you switch it, have you checked to see if there is any fuel pressure from the bad tank? To me, it sounds like a wiring issue. Have you checed the wiring to the tanks for damage?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, August 15th, 2010 AT 9:17 PM

DUSTMAN