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I have a 2001 Taurus that runs fine most of the time, but lately the fuel gauge has been dropping to empty and the car starts to stall out. Even with a full tank this still happens. After a few minutes the gauge will return to normal and the car runs fine again. It is doing this more and more so I really need to figure it out. Any idea on what to check first will be greatly appreciated.



Thanks
Henry

1987 F-250
2001 Taurus
2005 Focus
2007 Taurus

 

I suspect it is the Fuel Sending Switch. Judging from pictures it has a float that will drop with the fuel level and thus operate a switch that delivers a voltage related to the float's position.
Before taking it out I would try a fuel system cleaner---just to try my luck.

check this article as well:
http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl845g.htm

 

Okay I will check it out but does the sending unit only control the gauge or would it make the car run rough even with a full tank.

 

I could be wrong here, but I would suspect a questionable ground connection at the fuel tank module (sending unit & pump) . Since if it were either one, gauge or pump voltage supply , only that one function would be affected. Since both usually share a common ground I would start there.

 

Thanks I will check it out and get back.