I know TJ fuel gauge accuracy is less than perfect, but I have a
problem with my gauge lately where it works about half of the time and
shows E half of the time. When it fails, usually turning the jeep off
and back on will fix it. It either works OK or not at all. Yesterday
for the first time it showed normal level for a few seconds and then
slowly went to E and stopped working. Does this sound like a bad
connection, defective sender, computer, or something else? I have an
extended warranty for two more months, but if I don't use it for
anything the full amount (~$1k) should be refunded to me in October.
If this is a simple fix I can do myself, I would rather do it and keep
the warranty $$, but if it is a computer problem or something big, I
can use the warranty. Going to the dealer for diagnostics will count
as using the warranty. Any help? Thanks.

 

Hmmmmm '99 TJ's were prone to having their instrument cluster fail due
to a lose connection. But usually it would be all the gauges, not just
the fuel indicator. At least that's what happened to mine. Next time
it happens, give the top of your dash a solid 'thump' with your hand
and see if that has any effect.

Dave
http://home1.gte.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

On 28 Jul 2003 04:10:55 -0700, niceleyc@hotmail.com (c) wrote:

>I know TJ fuel gauge accuracy is less than perfect, but I have a
>problem with my gauge lately where it works about half of the time and
>shows E half of the time. When it fails, usually turning the jeep off
>and back on will fix it. It either works OK or not at all. Yesterday
>for the first time it showed normal level for a few seconds and then
>slowly went to E and stopped working. Does this sound like a bad
>connection, defective sender, computer, or something else? I have an
>extended warranty for two more months, but if I don't use it for
>anything the full amount (~$1k) should be refunded to me in October.
>If this is a simple fix I can do myself, I would rather do it and keep
>the warranty $$, but if it is a computer problem or something big, I
>can use the warranty. Going to the dealer for diagnostics will count
>as using the warranty. Any help? Thanks.

 

I've tried thumping the dash with no effect. Everything else in the
cluster works great, it's only the fuel gauge & low fuel light going
to E. It seems to either work perfectly or not at all.

Unless I get some other idea, I'll probably drop the tank & check the
wiring & then the sender. Seems like turning it off and back on would
not fix the problem if it was a bad sender.

Is there a way to diagnose this from the computer?

I did once have a Ford van that would go into "limp home mode"
occasionally and stay in second gear because of a weak fuel pump. I
could temporarily fix this problem by turning the car off and back on.

 

Ya, doesn't sound like a connection then.... I'm at a loss.

Dave

On 29 Jul 2003 02:58:49 -0700, niceleyc@hotmail.com (c) wrote:

>I've tried thumping the dash with no effect. Everything else in the
>cluster works great, it's only the fuel gauge & low fuel light going
>to E. It seems to either work perfectly or not at all.
>
>Unless I get some other idea, I'll probably drop the tank & check the
>wiring & then the sender. Seems like turning it off and back on would
>not fix the problem if it was a bad sender.
>
>Is there a way to diagnose this from the computer?
>
>I did once have a Ford van that would go into "limp home mode"
>occasionally and stay in second gear because of a weak fuel pump. I
>could temporarily fix this problem by turning the car off and back on.

 

Don't know if there's any connection, but there was a recall for fuel gage
senders on the 97 Cherokee for erratic readings. Don't know what other
models it might extend to, but my 97 Sport had the same symptoms you
described.

Lynn
"David C. Moller" <david_moller@msn.com> wrote in message
news:c26divc0ma8vsu655itbmeg3j7p670o260@4ax.com...
> Ya, doesn't sound like a connection then.... I'm at a loss.
>
> Dave
>
> On 29 Jul 2003 02:58:49 -0700, niceleyc@hotmail.com (c) wrote:
>
> >I've tried thumping the dash with no effect. Everything else in the
> >cluster works great, it's only the fuel gauge & low fuel light going
> >to E. It seems to either work perfectly or not at all.
> >
> >Unless I get some other idea, I'll probably drop the tank & check the
> >wiring & then the sender. Seems like turning it off and back on would
> >not fix the problem if it was a bad sender.
> >
> >Is there a way to diagnose this from the computer?
> >
> >I did once have a Ford van that would go into "limp home mode"
> >occasionally and stay in second gear because of a weak fuel pump. I
> >could temporarily fix this problem by turning the car off and back on.
>
>

 

According to the dealer there are no recalls on this vehicle.

He said there are no computer diagnostics from the fuel pump or
sender, and if all other gauges are working properly the problem could
only be the sender or related mechanical parts such as the float. The
sender is $51 but out of stock. I'll get an estimate to see if I want
to replace the sender, let them do it, or live with it. I'll check
wiring connections first, but probably keep my $$ and replace the
sender myself when the tank is low.

I always trust the odometer more than the fuel gauge and fillup every
200 miles.