gas gauge and lighter

1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
60,000 MILES • V8 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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DORIANE
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My gas gauge and the lighter are not working properly. The gauge sometimes shows half full when the tank has one gallon, and the lighter works only when I force it in and hold it. While I was holding in the lighter the gauge changed the level it was showing. Could they be on the same circuit? What would fixing them entail and how much should it cost?
May 6, 2009 at 11:09 PM
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RACEFAN966
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Ok the lighter is not on the same curcuit they are seperate. As for the lighter it is bad and you should replace it that is why you need to hold it to work. The gas guage may be that the sender is no good in the tank. If you have a digital multi meter we can do a test or two and verify that. Let me know what you would like to do. Thanks.
May 8, 2009 at 9:44 AM
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DORIANE
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I have considered that the sensor in the tank is malfunctioning. I want it fixed as well and economically as possible. No, I do not have a digital multi-meter.

Thanks for whatever info you can give me.
May 8, 2009 at 12:46 PM
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RACEFAN966
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Can you borrow a digital multi meter? I need to know what ohms are at the tank sending unit to help with this problem.

Heres a guide to help in case you dont know how to use a meter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter
May 9, 2009 at 8:11 AM
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ZIGGYSPRINCESS76
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How can I fix a digital gas gauge that is not reading properly such as the miles left, after I fuel up, it could say 150 miles and I could drive 22 miles home and gauge will say 0 miles left when I arrive...I have no idea how much gas is actually in the car on a 96 Lincoln town car signature series?
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Dec 3, 2018 at 5:38 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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you haveto see if power is going to sending unit then ground the wire and see if the gauge goes up if it doesn then it's the sending unit no the gauge. Otherwise it may be a dash problem an dneeds to be rebuilt.
Dec 3, 2018 at 5:38 PM (Merged)
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ZIGGYSPRINCESS76
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Stupid question I'm sure, I apologize in advance but how do I check to see if power is getting to the sending unit and how do I ground the wire to see if the gauge goes up? I am sure my husband probably knows but I'd like to understand too. Hope that makes sense.
Dec 3, 2018 at 5:38 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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it will have to be disconnect at the tank or if you have a test light you can probe the yellow/white wire back by the tank if you get a dim light it is reading then see if gauge goes up. you need the key on for this. an d someone will have to read the gauge.
Dec 3, 2018 at 5:38 PM (Merged)
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SCOTTAC49
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The gas guage in my 93' LINCOLN TOWN CAR does not register for at least 25 miles or so after putting gas in it. Once is finally does register its ok. Anyone else ever had that problem with there TOWN CAR? I appreciate any info... Thx
Dec 3, 2018 at 5:38 PM (Merged)
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WRENCHTECH
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It's probably a bad sender in the tank but it would have to be tested during the period that it's not working.
Dec 3, 2018 at 5:38 PM (Merged)