fuel gauge

[Jeffreytcole]

Just picked up an '85 vic for my mother and am trying to get it in as good of shape as possible and the only problem is the fuel gauge doesn't work. I checked the owner's manual for a fuse but did not locate one. Is there one or does any one know what would keep it from working. This is the second one I have heard of this week w/ a fuel gauge problem. BTW 30000 original miles on this monkey!!!

[backyard_mech420]

Most likely the fuel level float is stuck,or the wiring is bad somewhere.The only way to know for sure is to drop the tank and check the float and test,or replace the fuel pump and wiring harness.Good Luck!

[SweetNSour]

Hello, I just found this sight! And I just got my car on Thursday and my gas gauge doesn't work-it just sits on empty and the low fuel light is on... I was just woundering if I need to do the same as Jeffreytcole does to find out what is wrong with it?? Oh-ya, my car is an '88.

[longbeachsal]

Originally Posted by SweetNSour

Hello, I just found this sight! And I just got my car on Thursday and my gas gauge doesn't work-it just sits on empty and the low fuel light is on... I was just woundering if I need to do the same as Jeffreytcole does to find out what is wrong with it?? Oh-ya, my car is an '88.

it is easier to check the gas gauge wires then to take down the gas tank see if you are getting a signal.Depending on the fuel level you will get between 3 and 12 volts, if you are getting this reading then replace your gauge because the circuit is ok. if you have no signal then take the time to check the wires at the gas tank. be very carefull and keep a fire extinguisher handy, and only use fluorescent drop lights because a blub could break, ( spark equals big boom )

[SweetNSour]

Okay thank you for the information! Now I have a really dumb question... How do I check the wires on the gas gauge?? I should probablly also say that this is my first car and that I'm used to seeing my boyfriend work on a Honda and not a Ford!!

[backyard_mech420]

Originally Posted by SweetNSour

Okay thank you for the information! Now I have a really dumb question... How do I check the wires on the gas gauge?? I should probablly also say that this is my first car and that I'm used to seeing my boyfriend work on a Honda and not a Ford!!

You will need to get a (Volt Ohm Meter) also called a Digital or Analog Multi-Meter.Then test your wires as longbeachsal suggested,or if your not sure exactly what to do,find someone who is somewhat experienced with testing electrical connections,then you should'nt have much trouble finding the cause.

[SweetNSour]

OK... Thank you for your help! My uncle knows a lot about fords, and he asked me to find out where the ground wire is for the gas gauge because he thinks that might be the problem but he has no clue where it is on my car, do you have any clue where it is??

[SweetNSour]

Does anyone know where the ground is for the gas gauge on an '88 LTD Crown Vic??