Questions and Answers

Dodge 1500 Van Incorrect Fuel Reading Q. 1996 Dodge 1500 Van. I believe the float in the gas tank is stuck. It registers ½ a tank and it's empty. So when it says it's ¾ full I only have a ¼ tank left and it runs out. You would think that if the sensor was lodged that you could still fill the tank completely full and track the miles however, that is not the case.

It will only still hold the ½ tank amount and not any more. Some have suggested to drive on a washboard road to release it from being stuck. I am trying to avoid a costly fee on dropping the gas tank. Is there any thing I can do to prevent this and repair this? Thanks so much for your time.

Sincerely,
Angela

A. Here's a test you can do to determine if it is the fuel gauge or the fuel gage sending unit.

• Place the ignition switch in ON position, then disconnect the fuel gauge sending unit connector at the top of tank and observe the gauge. The needle should move to or remain at the low end of the scale.
• Connect a jumper wire between the sending unit ground (black wire) cavity and gauge input (dark blue wire) cavity in body half of sending unit connector and observe gauge. Needle should move to high end of scale.
• If needle performs as specified, replace fuel gauge sending unit; if not, replace fuel gauge.