I noticed this once a long time ago...I 'topped off' the tank and while driving, occasionally the fuel gauge would drop to E while the temp and oil pres lights would illuminate...then the lights would go out and the gauge would go back to F.

I stopped at a stealership and they said when you top off it happens.

I stopped topping off but the problem never went away - it would usually happen while the tank would be between full and 3/4.

Now it's happening when the tank is between full and 1/4.

Anyone have any idea what could cause this?

Thanks!

 

Do you go to my dealer ?

Take it back, and tell them now it does it if I fill to 3/4 of a tank from 1/4 of a tank, and see what they say.

I would say that is a condition of at least a loose connector on the instrument panel. Maybe an instrument cluster that is on the way out.
Tell them to use the instrument cluster test procedure ( previous MYs it is 413-01 in the service manual, have not looked at a '09 version yet ).

Also, keep a hand on your wallet when your are in there

This must cost them money, else they would jump on money from Ford to keep their techs busy.

 

I can tell you exactly what they'll say...I have a 97, so they'll ask me if I own my own home before trying to diagnose the issue.

That's why I'm hoping someone on here can tell me if they've seen this on their rigs.

 

Oh, 1997. You took it to a dealer, I made a bad assumption it was new ( take a moment to complete your profile ).

Start by pulling your instrument cluster, and re-seat the connectors on it.

Search in this forum for instrument bulb or searching the whole forum for gauge overlay would produce some threads on taking the instrument cluster out.

If they ask that, tell them "yes I do own it outright, from not buying a new truck every other year". ( if the math on your age works out ).
If I have money not going to a truck payment, it allowed me to service other debit quicker.
Point out to them a 30 year home loan, with 1/12th of a payment added every month turned a 30 yr loan, into a 17 year loan, and reduced the cost of the house by 40% ( principal and interest together ), and adding 1/6th of a payment further reduces it to 15 years.
What are they going to do, run a title search at the county ?