'02 Explorer gas gauge not working

[erin_cg]

Hi all,

I recently had my '02 Explorer XLT in the shop to have the fuel pump replaced. Since getting it back, my gas gauge is being wonky. Here's what happens: After I fill up the tank, the gas gauge drops down to E and the 'check gauge' light comes on. After driving for an hour or two, the needle slowly starts creeping up again, finally registering the correct amount of fuel in the tank. Then it reads/registers the fuel level fine until I go to fill up again, and this process repeats.

Any ideas? Any one else had this happen? While replacing the fuel pump, could a technician have bumped some kind of connection/wire to the gas gauge? My warranty is up and I can't afford to have this repaired, so any suggestions or tips on how I might fix this myself would be most helpful. I'm a complete car moron, so step-by-step layman's terms would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

~Erin

 

[Donner]

Same here...

You have to use techron in your gasoline, or buy Chevron - just regular 87 octane. I took mine to the dealership and they told me that... no problems since.

 

[erin_cg]

Simple as that, eh? Thanks so much!!

 

[Donner]

It worked out fine?

 

[budwich]

the sending unit / pump are "integral" (I think) so if you are having a problem with the gage after replacing the pump, me thinks the pump / sender wasn't installed correctly. Having said that, you don't leave your key in the "on position" while fuelling to "listen to the radio".... right?????

 

[erin_cg]

Donner: Yep, I added Techron and it worked.

budwich: Nope, I don't leave the key in and radio on while fueling. I think if I continue to have problems with it, I'll contact the shop and hopefully will be able to talk them into fixing it for free, provided they see it as their "mistake" while replacing the fuel pump.

My thanks to you both.