Fuel gauge not working properly

JJRed70

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Jun 15, 2024
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Location
Florida
My fuel gauge is not working properly.
2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ Unlimited
4.0 engine
4x4
Automatic transmission
When I fill up my tank all the way it reads “full”. No problem. It’s when my fuel gauge reads 1/4 tank left is when the problem occurs. When I think there is 1/4 tank of fuel remaining it sometimes drops all the way to empty, surpassing any reserve fuel (because it’s all been used) without any warning. Leaving me with a completely empty fuel tank. The fuel warning light comes on only when the needle is dropping all the way to empty. In other words it’s too late. All the fuel remaining is used up when it dives from 1/4 to empty with the quickness. Can anyone help me in diagnosing this issue? Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
My fuel gauge is not working properly.
2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ Unlimited
4.0 engine
4x4
Automatic transmission
When I fill up my tank all the way it reads “full”. No problem. It’s when my fuel gauge reads 1/4 tank left is when the problem occurs. When I think there is 1/4 tank of fuel remaining it sometimes drops all the way to empty, surpassing any reserve fuel (because it’s all been used) without any warning. Leaving me with a completely empty fuel tank. The fuel warning light comes on only when the needle is dropping all the way to empty. In other words it’s too late. All the fuel remaining is used up when it dives from 1/4 to empty with the quickness. Can anyone help me in diagnosing this issue? Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

sounds like maybe the fuel level float is sticking and hanging in the air at 1/4 tank while you continue to burn fuel and then it pops loose and falls down at some point later on.
 
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Reactions: macleanflood
You can replace just the float, the entire fuel pump assembly or mess around with the existing one and see if you can free it up.

I think I'd try getting down a little past 1/4 tank, when you know it's stuck, and wacking the fuel tank skid at the pump divot with a big mallet until it frees up or you give up.

-Mac
 
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Reactions: TJ Jim
sounds like maybe the fuel level float is sticking and hanging in the air at 1/4 tank while you continue to burn fuel and then it pops loose and falls down at some point later on.

Thank you for your help! Appreciate it. I will do some more research on it now that you’ve given me a place to start.