Rob
The gas gauge on my Ford Ranger moves to near full and then sticks when I park on a hill. Facing up or down doesn't matter, it still sticks. This has happened since I bought the truck six months ago.
I took the truck to the Ford dealer and was told that the Ranger has an "anti-slosh" device which prevents the gauge from erratically moving when the truck moves over bumps. I was told that the gauge recalibrates after 55 minutes.
This explanation sounds farfetched to me. Have you heard about this problem and this explanation for the Ranger?
Dennis Clarkson
Your assumption of "farfetched" is accurate Dennis. The Ranger/Mazda B Series/Explorer family has no such ability to intentionally slow the movement of the fuel gauge. That said, there are baffles located in the fuel tank to reduce sloshing but the gauge is prevented from reacting instantaneously simply by the built-in electrical resistance of the fuel gauge sending unit circuitry.
What you have is an old-fashioned sticking fuel tank sending unit.
Ford has had history with fuel tank units, especially its fuel pumps and it employs one of three designs depending on application and vehicle design.
- Returnable Fuel System
- Mechanical Returnless Fuel
- Electronic Returnless Fuel
Why this matters to you, Dennis, is the usual: cost.
With Returnable Fuel and Electronic Returnless Fuel systems, the fuel tank sending unit and fuel pump are contained within the same unit, or Fuel Module.
The Mechanical Fuel system adds the Fuel Pressure Regulator to the Module - read: more money.
When one unit goes, you have to replace the whole kit and caboodle. I can tell you from personal experience because I had to replace the fuel pump on my Explorer years ago.
Expect to pay more than $400 for a Module - unless you can find one wholesale - plus labour.
I know it's expensive, but I strongly suggest you buy OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, especially if you plan to keep your truck for an extended period of time. With the cheap aftermarket stuff out there, you get what you pay for.
Take your Ranger back to the dealer and have them re-test the fuel sending unit system.
Dennis, I don't know the year of your Ranger but if it's still under warranty, that's a whole other discussion.