Fuel system

2008 FORD F-150
142,000 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ERIC MCLEOD
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Had my fuel pump replaced today. Before this, my gauge wasn't working and I had to use my trip odometer to tell how much gas I have, resetting it every fill-up. The guy at the dealer that replaced it, assured me this would make the gauge start back to working. Not the case. When I turn the key, I see the needle move a tad bit and then go right back to where it was, past the E. Any research I've done and advice I've gotten says the last option would be tear out the dash and replace the instrument cluster. Am I in for a while new project?
Feb 26, 2020 at 5:14 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Hi Eric,

When they replaced the pump, did they verify power to the sender at the fuel pump module?

Roy
Feb 26, 2020 at 5:28 PM
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ERIC MCLEOD
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I guess, apparently the tank was empty. And they only put 5 gallons in it and they said it moved. But wouldn't 5 gallons put the needle well past E?? He said they tested it and the truck ran fine. I'm going to call them in the morning and find out what the deal is. I sure hope it isn't the cluster...
Feb 26, 2020 at 5:31 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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It sounds like the cluster. I attached the diagram for you to view.

The power comes from the gauge. They did not do the correct test. They should have disconnected the connector and the gauge should have gone to full fill or empty. Then they should ground the power and it should sweep full the other way. that is how you test the gauge.

Roy
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Feb 26, 2020 at 5:34 PM
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ERIC MCLEOD
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Okay, I will task them with this tomorrow. This should have been done after the pump was replaced right?? To make sure there's no other issues...
Feb 26, 2020 at 5:37 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Correct. It would have taken them less than 10 minutes to check.

Roy
Feb 26, 2020 at 5:39 PM
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ERIC MCLEOD
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I'll be sure and let you know how it went.
Feb 26, 2020 at 5:41 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Sounds good.

Roy
Feb 26, 2020 at 5:48 PM
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BMDOUBLE
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Here is a short video of a faulty sending unit that I removed from a 2013 F-150. The specification is generally fifteen to one hundred and fifty (15-150) ohms. You can see at the top of the sweep the ohms are all over the place. The Ford scan tool can actually do a gauge test by going to the cluster module parameters and select (FLI) fuel level input parameter in active mode and go up and down by ten percent, the gauge should respond, it's literally a 5 minute test! I do it every time I have a gauge concern before I pull out a fuel sending unit!
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Feb 27, 2020 at 9:03 AM
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ERIC MCLEOD
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It needed to be replaced anyway, but I don't know why it hadn't been tested. Unless they did and didn't say anything to me. Now, on to a more In depth project of the cluster....
Feb 27, 2020 at 9:17 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Keep us updated.

Roy
Feb 27, 2020 at 4:19 PM