1991 Aerostar. Fuel gauge issue.

[moon lake rick]

Hi to all. I haven't posted in a little while, but I do still have my Aerostar. It is running good.
My 91 Aerostar gas gauge reads full- empty- and anywhere in-between. It holds steady but about every time you turn on the key it might read something different. Doesn't move around while driving.
I did find a post on another forum about anti slosh module. It was 93 Aerostar.
Just wondering if anyone had experience with this system or some trouble shooting tips.
Maybe mine doesn't even have this type setup. Been awhile since I had the dash out and I wasn't looking for that.
I just carry a can of gas with me but it would be nice if gas gauge worked.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You probably have a bad sending unit or float.

 

[puttputt]

Rick,

My '94 is exhibiting essentially the same symptoms - mine reads either zero or full when ign is on. It sometimes goes from one end of the scale to the other while driving, but it never stabilizes mid-scale even close to what is in the tank.

I'm pondering either to buy one of these: http://mpguino.wiseman.ee/eng or
convert to propane. I have the components, just trying to establish a resting place for a fuel tank that doesn't eat-up valuable interior space.

My '94 has VSS (vehicle speed sensor) which is electronic speedometer, not sure your '91 has it tho. You'll need it for the MPGuino if you want one. Thing is, the MPGuino costs about the same as a sending unit, but unlike your OEM setup, it reads MPG and remaining fuel on-board based on accurate fuel consumption.

 

[moon lake rick]

gas gauge problem

thanks for reply.. I figured that would be good place to start by dropping the tank.. Is there any way to check the sending unit without actually removing it from tank?..ohm meter something?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The resistance of the sending unit varies, so there is no way to test it unless you connect an Ohmmeter to it while moving the float.

 

[moon lake rick]

gas gauge problem

Got it...Thanks for pointing that out..I understand..Maybe I could hook a jumper wire to it without removing tank and check resistance from time to time. I will get different readings at different gas levels in the tank if sending unit is working. I don't know if I will be able to access the wires at top of tank. If not I could splice in along the wire. Sounds like I don't really want to drop the tank and remove pump to check it. May not me too hard but my working space is not the best to do the tank drop job at this time..I have learned to carry a can of gas.

thanks for the info...

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could cut the metal on the floor under the seat, and add an access panel to reach the sending unit if you don't want to remove the fuel tank.

 

[moon lake rick]

gas gauge problem

I have read that.. Seems like somewhat a decent idea. It would solve my work area problem. I probably be frowned upon for dropping the tank etc where I am living now..I will look underneath and try to determine where I should cut an access hole. Glad to hear it is under the seat and covering it with another piece of metal would be easy enough.

thanks for the input.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could use a metal or plastic access panel similar to the type which is used in a building.