1991 Ford Ranger Fuel Gage

TNW283131

MEMBER
1991 FORD RANGER

Engine Mechanical problem
1991 Ford Ranger 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual rolled miles

My fuel gage is not working properly. It will sometimes register full, then the needle will go down to half, then register empty. How do I trouble shoot this problem?

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,384 POSTS

FUEL GUAGE
Calibration Test (Aerostar, Explorer & Ranger)
Use Rotunda Gauge Tester (021-00055) to check fuel gauge. Place ignition switch in OFF position. Install rotunda gauge tester in circuit. Set tester to 22-ohm position. Turn ignition on. Wait 60 seconds, and then read fuel gauge.
If gauge reads "E", go to step 5). If gauge does not read "E", turn ignition switch off, then turn it back on. Tap on instrument panel and wait one minute. If gauge goes to "E", check for intermittent B+ connection at cluster connector, or damaged printed circuit.
Repair as necessary and repeat test. If after repeating test, gauge does not read "E", turn ignition off. Remove instrument cluster and inspect printed circuit for damage. Remove slosh module located on back of cluster. Connect jumper wire from gauge tester to fuel gauge terminal "S" (Yellow/White wire).
Turn ignition on and observe gauge. If gauge does not read "E", replace gauge. If gauge reads "E", replace slosh module.
Turn ignition off. Set rotunda gauge tester to 145-ohm setting. Turn ignition on, wait 60 seconds, and read fuel gauge. If gauge reads "F", check sender circuit wiring for shorts or opens with ohmmeter. If gauge does not read "F", turn ignition off and remove instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
Inspect printed circuit to ensure loop connecting fuel sender input to fuel gauge is cut. If loop is not cut, correctly cut printed circuit at loop. Remove slosh module from rear of cluster, and connect jumper wire from gauge tester to fuel gauge terminal "S" (Yellow/White wire). Reconnect cluster connector and recheck gauge.
If fuel gauge reads "F", replace slosh module. If gauge does not read "F", replace gauge. Check fuel gauge resistance using ohmmeter. Gauge should read EMPTY at 22.5 ohms and FULL at 145 ohms.