Fuel Gauge Question

[smclaren]

Hi Guys,

Quick question on the fuel gauge. The problem doesnt appear in the excellent fuel gauge section elsewhere on the site.

It seems that my gauge is working well, but not reading true. That is, I fill the tank to the brim, but it it shows as 3/4 full on the gauge. The gauge seems to reduce at an acceptable rate based on mileage driven. (I have not driven the truck past the empty level on the gauge, or driven it till runs dry. Yeah yeah .... I know ..... )

Is there an adjustment available (I am thinking that its gonna be a "bend the rod that the float attaches too" solution?? Is this right?

Thanks again Guys

Steve

[SteveC]

no not bend the rod there is a ivpr or instrument voltage pulse regulator on the back of the instrument panel that puts out a 5.5volt pulse signal that runs the gauges it either needs to be adjusted via the little screw on it or just replaced with a new one....just be sure to get one for your year of truck

[Thunderfoot]

SteveC is correct...

A quick way to check this is take the wire off the sending unit on the tank (behind the seat) and ground it, the gauge should go to "FULL". If it doesn't then the IPVR needs adjusted to put out more voltage.

Here is a good thread on the same problem you have... http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... highlight=

This also talks about the IPVR http://www.fordification.com/fuel-sending-units.htm

[SteveC]

ive got the same problem on mine it only reads 3/4 when full but once in a while it goes all the way up like its should ...i havent put gas and hooked up the secondary tank yet to see how it works....if it reads full when full then i know my in tank sender needs replaced

[DGrant09]

Great question!! Both of my tanks read 3/4 or so when full. We'll give this a shot.

[smclaren]

Hi Guys

Just an update here ... finally got around to filling the truck up again to adjust the IPVR to get the fuel gauge reading "Full". ($92.00 to fill the bloody tank up ....... but thats another story.

I struck a moment of indecision!

Pulled the instrument dash out and located the IPVR (I think? The reference thread Thunderfoot referred too has lost its images).

I think I found the adjustment knob/screw ... really tiny thing projecting out ... problem is that it seems to be encased in some type of resin or coating. Looks very much like it was specifically applied to the IPVR adjustment screw (thats even if I am looking at the right component ).

I have attached a photo, and added on an arrow ... hopefully pointing at the adjustment screw, and if you look closely you can see the brown stuff on it. I didn't want rip into it in case if buggered it up (as usual )

Does this look right and whats that gook on the screw ? It'll need to be removed to get at the screw I am guessing.

Steve

[Thunderfoot]

That looks to be it... Not sure why it has the brown stuff on it unless it was put on to keep it from moving from vibration... I have a couple of instrument panels out at home from F600's I'll have to check them out...
Here is a picture of one I found that looks the same (maybe newer) http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2777020 ... 9056Cwscqp I did check here and you can get new ones at the local parts store... It is called a "Instrument Cluster Voltage Regulator"...

[SteveC]

mine has that same resin on it...i tried getting one at my napa here in town but they had never heard of it...one of the older guys swears ford didnt even use them....i'll probally order from online if i have to replace mine

[Thunderfoot]

Hummmm SteveC not sure why NAPA don't have them... I looked on their web site and couldn't find it either...
But, AutoZone has them http://www.autozone.com/R,APP1347837/ve ... Detail.htm Edit: they don't show any available now that I look closer... Part America has them too... http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDeta ... mber=FF126 even though it says it is Discontinued they can get it or it wouldn't be listed...

[SteveC]

thank you..i will probally try to adjust mine first...i also need to test to see if it the regulator or the sending unit...ill have to dig that post up when i get time

[smclaren]

Thanks again, Steve and Thunderfoot.

I guess I'll try and scrape that crap off, to get at the screw.

Steve

[ford4x4fun]

smclaren thanks for the pic, mine does the exact same thing and I wouldn't have had a clue what to look for! So that pic was extremely helpful!

[smclaren]

Not sure why it has the brown stuff on it unless it was put on to keep it from moving from vibration...

Didn't work then, did it ?

[smclaren]

Sorry, another quick question ... anyone know what that plug is for, the one above the IPVR in my photo?

[SteveC]

the one with two connectors on it??? that is for turn signals it is what makes the clicky noise some on probally just left it there after they replaced it with a new one...or your turns just dont work right now