95 Rodeo fuel light erratic (gauge is fine)

[KAndrewL]

Hi,
The fuel light (by the fuel gauge) in my 95.0 Rodeo lights up erratically, whether the gauge shows full, 3/4 or 1/2 even. I have read a lot about the fuel sending unit etc, but since the gauge works fine (and this is a 95) I don't think its that.

None of the other lamps seem to have issues. Keyless entry, doorlocks, lights, radio, AC, blower all work fine. The only other electrical issue that I know of is the clutch sensor seems to have stopped working. When I first bought the car (2/3 weeks ago, @ 102k mi) it was necessary to depress the clutch to start the car. Don't have to anymore. (Not sure if I prefer it this way yet or not). Not sure if it is related to the preventative maintenance I have had done: timing belt, lifter, tensioners, valve cover gasket and O-rings.

So back to the fuel light issue. Do we chalk this one up to the whole alternator thing (not sure if this car still has the original alternator, I suspect so)? Or possibly a grounding issue. Or could it be the fuel sending unit?

Does the fuel sending unit have separate sensors for the gauge and the low fuel light?

thanks
Andrew

Thread search terms: fuel light; gas light; clutch sensor; fuel lamp; gas lamp.

[95.5 Rodeo]

I would remove the connector on the fuel sender (at the tank) and drive around for a few days.

If the lamp lights up while driving, you have a short to ground in your wiring between the sender and the lamp.

If the lamp does not light up, there is a problem in the fuel tank sending unit.

Dale

[KAndrewL]

Good idea, I'll do it.
Thanks,
Andrew

[KAndrewL]

quicky update:
Disconnected the plug at the tank for the sending unit (at least what I think is the sending unit - see below). Gauge stopped working as expected and the fuel light has not lit in a few days.

I am a little confused however about the differences between the two assemblies conencted to the tank. On the top side of the tank there is an assembly with the fuel lines and some wiring. Also, on the front side of the tank, more to the passenger side of the car is another wiring connector. This is the one that I disconnected.

I am thinking that the one on the top is the fuel pump, and the one on the front side is the level detection? Is that correct?

I am hoping the actual problem is the connector and wiring at the plug on the side of the tank. Its pretty dusty and brittle back there. I will clean and polish a little and report back.
Andrew

[95.5 Rodeo]

I would think the assembly with fuel lines and wiring on top is for the fuel pump and the connector on the front is for the gauge.

You may be able to fix the problem by cleaning up the connector, otherwise the problem is in the sending unit.

Good luck,
Dale

[KAndrewL]

Cleaned the connector and housing of the gauge / level detection and pliugged it back in. Gauge is working again, but the fuel light seems to come on whenever it feels like it. I guess it must be the "sending unit".

Don't feel very pressed to replace it since the guage is working fine. At least I think it is! I guess I won't know till I am stranded somewhere, out of petrol and gauge that says half full!

Andrew