Everytime I fill my truck all the way, the gas needle only reaches half way between 3/4 and Full. I don't want to run my truck to fumes and then refilling it all the way just to see if it holds the 25-26 gallons, but I guess if that's the only way...If it IS just the needle/meter, how can I adjust it or reset it so it reaches all the way whenever I fill it up?

Thanks
Eric

 

Do you remove the keys when filling? I had the issue with it always seeming funny, if you remove the keys while filling for whatever reason it usually starts on the same spot. I still think its a little iffy.

 

Title is misleading.... I thought your gas meter made a joke while u were driving

 

My old 03 was the same way if you left the key in, except the needle would slowly reach the full mark after about 25 miles. Is yours this way? On my 06 its almost the opposite way as the needle will stay pegged for about 75 miles then proceed to go down gradually like it normally would. Although over time, Ive confirmed the tank holds 27 gallons.

 

Yeah, if I leave the key in it takes quite some time for the needle to get to the position it should be at. I have also noticed that while driving it seems my needle doesn't change much. Only after I shut the truck of and turn it back on do I realize that I have less in my tank then was showing while driving.

 

My 2004 Lariat SuperCab with the 35.7 gallon tank stops giving the correct reading once I get down to about 1/4 tank. It won't break loose and show the right level again until I keep driving and it gets down to maybe a needle above empty. I assume the float in the tank is getting stuck? It'll show the correct level anywhere above 1/4. If I put a little gas in to take it just above 1/4, it works fine. It's just from about 1/4 to almost empty that it goes dead...stops showing the correct level.

I guess I'm screwed unless I want to drop the tank? (which I'm not inclined to do) I'm afraid to ask the dealer how much it would cost to fix it.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I always thought running your gas tank that low could help cause premature fuel pump failure. I try not to let it get below 1/4 tank if I can help it.

 

As a general rule, I don't run it really low. Only on long trips I might let it get lower if I can't find a good place to get gas. I believe the reason people say that about the fuel pump is because the gas sort of keeps the pump cooler when it's in operation if the gas is surrounding the pump. Sort of wicks heat away from it. Other than that, I can't figure out why running it below 1/4 would matter. Sometimes stopping to fill up just to keep it above 1/4 tank is not practical.

Anyway, as far as my fuel gauge problem...I'm still assuming something in the tank is getting stuck at 1/4 full. I probably should have had this taken care of under warranty long ago, but it's not a huge problem. More of a nuisance. Problem is if I go to sell it though...the buyer won't want to hear about the fuel gauge not working right.

 

Take the key out when filling up. I was told it doesn't reset the anti-slosh sensor or something when you leave the key in the ignition. It will slowly figure itself out as you turn the vehicle on and off a couple of times. When I leave the key in, usually within 3-4 starts I'm back to full or if I'm doing a long trip, it will slowly go up.

 

Hmmm...I always take the keys out of the ignition just in case. I've tried running the gas as empty as possible once, and when I refilled it it took about 23 gallons before the pump stopped. But once I start up the truck it still reads about halfway between 3/4 and Full. Very strange...I'm thinking about maybe taking apart the dash and resetting the needle when I know the tank is full? Has anyone done this?

 

So a gas gauge, a temp gauge, and a speedometer walk into a bar...

 

you would have to drive around all the time on fumes for this to happen. driving until your fuel light comes on will not hurt the pump. if it did, i would be replacing alot of fuel pumps everyday.

filling up a ford with the key on will cause a delay in the gauge reading the new fuel level. its sounds like the original poster had an issue with either the float or the gauge.

 

um, ya... I'm 99.999999999% sure that they don't rely on the GASOLINE to cool the pump motor. They take many precautions to ensure that the pump motor stays cool.

Think about it... do you want to take a chance in a pump overheating when its in a tank full of GASOLINE???

As long as you fill the tank before the engine starts sputtering you will be fine.

And shut the key off when you fill it.