Fuel Guage Needle Problem

Ok, i got a question that hopefully someone can answer. My g/f drives a 93 Escort. She just acquired it from her mom who has taken good care of it over the years ever since it was new. It's only got 83,000 miles on it. My question is, the needle for the fuel doesnt move. It stays on F(full) the whole time even when she goes through the whole tank. Her mom also said it only gets 156 miles to the tank!?!? I was just wondering if anyone knew the problem to why this isnt moving. Could it be the guage cluster itself having to be replaced because of that one needle? i know it's that way on hondas.If one needle is broken...it cant be fixed. Im a honda man and dont know much about fords so i came here to see if i could get some help. If anyone has came across this problem or know what it might be and could help me out that would be really great so i can help her get this fixed. Thanks a million for all the replies. :D

P.S. sorry so long.:(

It sounds like the problem is in your gas tank. I'm thinking fuel sending unit. It sounds like the float might be stuck, or there is an open (no continuity) in your sending unit. Your in luck as far as removal though. You can access it by removing the rear seat cushion. The Fuel pump and sending unit come out as a one peice unit. Get you a Haynes manuel for Ford Escorts. It covers the entire procedure for removal of the fuel pump/sending unit and for measuring the resistance of the sending unit. Hope this helps! :bloated: