Fuel Sensor - Help!

[DocG]

I filled my car with gas this morning, I get back in to take off.....and the darn fuel guage reads right where it did before I pumped gas. So I'm thinking maybe the stupid gas pump wasn't working and I just paid 30 bucks for nothing. Then after about 2 minutes, the guage drops to zero and the low fuel light comes on.....followed by the check engine light. I check under the car make sure all my gas isn't flowing out somewhere...it wasn't. I re-check the cap to make sure it was tight, all good. Restart the car for a third time and the fuel gauge goes to full...but the CEL is still on. Take her over to autozone, and right before I pull into the parking lot, the CEL goes off. The guy checks the codes, reading a faulty fuel sensor....says my float has gone bad.

Anyone know anything about this? Can I drive the car with this problem until I can get it into dealer for fix under warranty? I'm guessing its no big deal as long as I know I've got gas in it. Any help would be great.

 

[RandyStinchcomb]

the fuel level sender can be bought seperatly from Ford, don't normally see them go bad. had you changed/upgraded fuel pumps latley?

I do seem to recall a TSB about problem wth certian brands of fuels having an effect on the sending units of 'Stangs, something to-do wth the additive packages of some petrolum companys?

 

[DocG]

As far as I know...fuel pump is stock. Car seemed un-modded when I bought it. I have noticed the car seems hard to start sometimes. Starter cranks much longer than usual...but it does start and then runs fine. Called my Ford dealer, think it might be the fuel sending unit going bad.

Since its under warranty, I'm just going to take it in this afternoon and let them look at it. Still like to find out whats going on myself though just so I know what they're doing and what they're talkinga bout.

 

[BooWFO]

Doc- you and me got the same thing going on. Well mine don't throw a code. I know the float is floating. Checked it but my guage stays at full when it reads half tank she's empty.

Randy - Any chance you know that part number? Dealers around here look at me stupid anytime I go in for any parts.

 

[DocG]

How do you check the float? Can the sensor and/or float be changed without dropping the tank?

Maybe yellow stangs are lemons?!??!

 

[RandyStinchcomb]

the fuel level sending unit is serviceable, you do have to drop the tank and remove the fuel pump asbly. the part # for the fuel sender is XR3Z-9275-AA and fits 1999 to 2004 ALL Mustangs. oh, price is @$75.00 wholesale

 

[danny04GT]

Hey I had a similar issue yesterday. filled up the tank and the needle didn't move. Re-started the car and it still didn't move. Drove to work and it took about 40 minutes for the gauge to move to full. I hope mine isn't going out too.

 

[DocG]

Anyone know if this could cause a metallic rattle noise in the engine? Still trying to figure out my rattle noise....which Ford is supposed to be doing now too.