dmcomputerguy

The gas gauge on this car shows completely random readings. It will show anywhere between Empty and Full, no matter how much is there. The number of miles left is also random and usually has NOTHING to do with the gauge reading.

For example, the gauge can say full and the miles left are 0 or the gauge can say empty and the miles left are 400. It is totally random. This has been going on for months and there is absolutly no pattern to it.

When I got the car, about 5 years ago, it was fine. About a year ago it started having problems. As it got worse, I ran out of gas three times before I figured out to completely ignore it and go only by number of miles driven.

When I filled the tank, after running out, sometimes it took about 17 gallons, but one time it took about 21. How big is this tank? Remember it is a Flex Fuel vehicle. The book says ALL models have a 16 gallon tank, but I have put 17 plus gallons in so many times that I can't believe that is true.

I bought the car used from the state, so it is possible the tank was replaced, but I really doubt it.

jwko

I have that same problem. Mostly mine will almost always stay on full but sometimes its all the way down below empty. The check engine light is and has been on since 36k (a few miles after the warranty ran out) im now on 90k and dont remember the code but it was the failure to receive signal from the fuel sensor. I have read on here that replacing the fuel pump assembly will correct the problem and i'm just waiting for it to go out. Until then I just fill it up and count off 300 miles and fill it again. BTW, mine is a 2001 Taurus Flex-Fuel.

dmcomputerguy

Good point...I should have mentioned that this car does not have a "check engine light" problem. I has had in the past, but each one was an engine sensor problem. Replaced the engine sensor corresponding with the problem and the light was okay.

Again, no "check engine light" issues. There are a couple of other problems, but not related to that.

tbird100636

Some models, including FFV cars have an 18 gal. tank.

Johnny Mullet

On a Flex Fuel Taurus, there are 2 possibilities for this...............

Fuel Pump

Flex Fuel Module

dmcomputerguy

Thanks Mullet Man... Sounds expensive either way :-)

Any idea how the pump could cause these symptoms? Do you have to drop the tank to replace it?

Where is the Flex Fuel Module, what does it look like, any special tricks in removing it? Autozone does testing on modules; will call them to see if that is one that they can test.

Are either of these common problem parts?

Thanks tbird...Stopped at the gas station last night. The 16 gallon tank took 17 1/2 gallons. The post that said 18 gallons seems a lot more accurate than the book's 16.

saraczap

I just bought a 97 ffv taurus like a week ago and i am having the same problem with the gauge. its random all the time i think the digital one that says miles till empty might be somewhat accurate but i am not for sure after only owning this car for a week. Any one who what the problem is so i can fix it insted of taking it somewhere?

jwko

Finally spent the $$ and had mine fixed. It was the module under the dash.

Luxury

2001 Ford Taurus Flex Fuel 3.0, 117,000 miles. Fuel gauge reading erratic. Gauge fluctuated between full and empty no matter what the fuel level was. Fixed with FFV module replacement.

The FFV module is mounted with one bolt behind and to the bottom left of the climate control module which interfaces the sender with the fuel gauge. It is a 6 pin rectangular module (5 wires are pinned out on the connector side) encased in epoxy, part # YF1U-14A069AA. You do NOT have to remove climate control / radio assembly to access/change this out. Simply get to it from underneath.

$44 from Ford, maybe less elsewhere. Fixed the problem. Cheaper than replacing a $250 sender and a heck of a lot easier (providing you have tested resistance from the sender and found it was good)

Keep in mind, again, this is a FLEX FUEL model, so you may not have this on a standard 3.0.