Your Ford Expedition’s Fuel Gauge is Broken? Here’s What to Do

Do you own a Ford Expedition and your fuel gauge is not working If so, you are not alone. This is a common problem that can be frustrating and inconvenient. But don’t worry, there is a solution. In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix your Ford Expedition fuel gauge. By the end of this guide, you will be able to get your fuel gauge working again.

Reasons Why Ford Expedition Fuel Gauge Not Working

Here are the reasons:

Bad Fuel Level Sensor

The fuel level sensor sends a signal to the instrument cluster, which displays the fuel level. If the fuel level sensor is bad, it can send the wrong signal to the instrument cluster, causing the fuel gauge to read incorrectly.

Bad Instrument Cluster

The instrument cluster is responsible for displaying the fuel level, among other things. If the instrument cluster is bad, it may not be able to properly display the fuel level, causing the fuel gauge to read incorrectly.

Corroded or Damaged Wiring

The wiring between the fuel level sensor and the instrument cluster can become corroded or damaged, which can cause the fuel gauge to read incorrectly.

Faulty Fuel Pump

The fuel pump sends fuel to the engine. If the fuel pump is faulty, it can cause the fuel level to drop too quickly, which can cause the fuel gauge to read incorrectly.

Leaking Fuel Tank

A leaking fuel tank can cause the fuel level to drop too quickly, which can cause the fuel gauge to read incorrectly.

How to Troubleshoot: Ford Expedition Fuel Gauge Not Working

Symptoms of a Faulty Fuel Gauge

There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your Ford Expedition’s fuel gauge is not working properly. These include:

The fuel gauge reads empty when the tank is full, or full when the tank is empty.
The fuel gauge fluctuates wildly, or does not move at all.
The fuel gauge reads incorrectly, such as showing that you have more or less fuel than you actually do.

Causes of a Faulty Fuel Gauge

There are a number of different things that can cause a Ford Expedition’s fuel gauge to malfunction. These include:

A faulty fuel sender unit. The fuel sender unit is a sensor that sends a signal to the fuel gauge, telling it how much fuel is in the tank. If the fuel sender unit is faulty, it can send the wrong signal to the fuel gauge, causing it to malfunction.
A faulty fuel pump. The fuel pump is responsible for pumping fuel from the tank to the engine. If the fuel pump is faulty, it can cause the fuel gauge to malfunction.
A faulty fuel line. The fuel line is responsible for carrying fuel from the tank to the engine. If the fuel line is damaged or clogged, it can cause the fuel gauge to malfunction.
A faulty fuel filter. The fuel filter is responsible for filtering impurities out of the fuel. If the fuel filter is clogged, it can cause the fuel gauge to malfunction.

How to Troubleshoot a Faulty Fuel Gauge

To troubleshoot a faulty fuel gauge, you will need to:

1. Check the fuel level in the tank. If the fuel level is low, fill up the tank and see if the fuel gauge reading improves.
2. Check the fuel sender unit. Disconnect the fuel sender unit from the fuel tank and connect a multimeter to the terminals. Turn the ignition on and check the voltage reading. The voltage reading should be between 0.5 and 4.5 volts. If the voltage reading is outside of this range, the fuel sender unit is faulty and will need to be replaced.
3. Check the fuel pump. Disconnect the fuel pump from the fuel tank and connect a multimeter to the terminals. Turn the ignition on and check the voltage reading. The voltage reading should be between 12 and 14 volts. If the voltage reading is lower than 12 volts, the fuel pump is faulty and will need to be replaced.
4. Check the fuel line. Inspect the fuel line for any damage or leaks. If you find any damage or leaks, the fuel line will need to be repaired or replaced.
5. Check the fuel filter. Inspect the fuel filter for any damage or clogging. If you find any damage or clogging, the fuel filter will need to be replaced.

How to Reset the Fuel Gauge on a Ford Expedition

To reset the fuel gauge on a Ford Expedition, you will need to:

1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery.
3. Wait for 10 seconds.
4. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery.
5. Turn the ignition on.
6. Start the engine.
7. Drive the vehicle for a few minutes.
8. Turn the ignition off.
9. The fuel gauge should now be reset.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing problems with your Ford Expedition’s fuel gauge, it is important to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. A faulty fuel gauge can lead to inaccurate fuel readings, which can be dangerous and expensive.

Also Read: Ford Expedition Heated Seats Not Working

FAQs: Ford Expedition Fuel Gauge Not Working

Why is my Ford Expedition fuel gauge not working?

There are a few reasons why your Ford Expedition fuel gauge may not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

A faulty fuel sender: The fuel sender is a sensor that sends a signal to the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster. If the fuel sender is faulty, it can send the wrong signal to the gauge, causing it to malfunction.

A faulty fuel pump: The fuel pump is responsible for sending fuel to the engine. If the fuel pump is faulty, it can cause the fuel gauge to malfunction.

A faulty fuel line: The fuel line is responsible for transporting fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. If the fuel line is damaged or clogged, it can cause the fuel gauge to malfunction.

A faulty instrument cluster: The instrument cluster is the part of the dashboard that displays the fuel gauge, speedometer, and other gauges. If the instrument cluster is faulty, it can cause the fuel gauge to malfunction.

What should I do if my Ford Expedition fuel gauge is not working?

If your Ford Expedition fuel gauge is not working, you should take it to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. The mechanic will be able to determine the cause of the problem and make the necessary repairs.

How much does it cost to fix a Ford Expedition fuel gauge?

The cost of fixing a Ford Expedition fuel gauge will vary depending on the cause of the problem. The average cost of a fuel gauge replacement is between $100 and $300. However, if the fuel sender or fuel pump is faulty, the cost of repairs could be higher.

Can I drive my Ford Expedition if the fuel gauge is not working?

Yes, you can drive your Ford Expedition if the fuel gauge is not working. However, you should be aware of how much fuel is in the tank and make sure to fill up before the tank runs dry.

How can I prevent my Ford Expedition fuel gauge from malfunctioning?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your Ford Expedition fuel gauge from malfunctioning:

Keep the fuel tank full: The fuel gauge is more likely to malfunction if the fuel tank is low on fuel.

Avoid driving over bumps and potholes: Driving over bumps and potholes can damage the fuel line, which can lead to the fuel gauge malfunctioning.

Have the fuel system regularly inspected: Having the fuel system regularly inspected can help to identify and fix any problems before they cause the fuel gauge to malfunction.