Gas tank/ gauge issue

[msch07]

Figured I would ask you guys first before I jump to conclusions. On my 99 Vulcan I just filled up "completely" from the needle being buried on E. I put in roughly 12 gallons. Small tank I thought. So I went home and read online that I have a 16 gallon tank. Is that true? And if so I'm assuming my sender unit is going bad?

Thanks!


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[behlinla]

Yeah, if the needle is just below the red you should be able to get 14 gallons or more in. Try a different gas station next time, and maybe think about adding a bottle of fuel system cleaner.

[msch07]

Originally Posted by behlinla

Yeah, if the needle is just below the red you should be able to get 14 gallons or more in. Try a different gas station next time, and maybe think about adding a bottle of fuel system cleaner.

Hmmm, yeah thats a good idea. I'm going to top it off on the way to work and drop some cleaner in.

Found this online... may be an issue possibly?

Fuel Gauge/Tank - Inaccurate/Slow To Fill
Article No.
99-15-1

07/26/99

^ FUEL GAUGE - DOES NOT INDICATE FULL
SHORTLY AFTER FUEL FILL-UP - SERVICE TIP

^ FUEL GAUGE - DOES NOT UPDATE AFTER FUEL
FILL - SERVICE TIP

^ FUEL GAUGE - FLUCTUATES AT 1/4 TANK OR
BELOW - SERVICE TIP

^ FUEL GAUGE LOW LAMP ILLUMINATES - 11-22 L
(3-6 GALLONS) OF FUEL REMAINING IN TANK
AND/OR ONLY 38-45 L (10-12 GALLONS) CAN BE
ADDED - SERVICE TIP

^ FUEL - SLOW FUEL FILL AT 3/4 TANK OR
ABOVE - CONTINUOUS FILL NOZZLE CLICKING
OFF - SERVICE TIP

^ FUEL - SLOW FUEL FILL BELOW 314 TANK -
CONTINUOUS FILL NOZZLE CLICKING OFF -
SERVICE TIP

FORD:
1999 TAURUS

MERCURY:
1999 SABLE

ISSUE
The following may be fuel gauge/tank concerns:

1. Slow fuel fill at or ABOVE 3/4 of a tank/fuel fill nozzle clicks off. The fueling station's fill nozzle is incompatible with the vehicles On-board Refueling Vapor Recovery System (ORVR system) or has a higher than normal fill rate.

2. Slow fuel fill BELOW 3/4 of a tank/continuous fill nozzle clicks off. Blocked/crushed evaporative emission lines or blockage in the fuel filler neck or an ORVR incompatible fuel fill nozzle.

3. The low fuel light illuminates with 11-22 L (3-6 gallons) of fuel remaining and/or the customer can only add 38-45 L (10-12 gallons) of fuel. The low fuel light will illuminate on level surfaces with approximately 11 L (3 gallons) of fuel and 15-22 L (4-6 gallons) when on hills or during/after extended turns.

4. Fuel gauge does not update after fuel fill. The fuel gauge will not update for several minutes after filling if the vehicle is running or the ignition switch is left in the Run position. This is due to a normal anti-fluctuation slosh module time delay strategy.

5. The fuel gauge needle drops off full shortly after fill-up. The fuel level sender and gauge are calibrated to accurately represent a COMPLETELY FULL indication. Driving approximately 48 km (30 miles) will start to move the fuel gauge needle off of full.

6. The fuel gauge fluctuates at or below 1/4 tank. The fuel gauge fluctuation is due to normal operation of the slosh module time delay strategy. This prevents excessive fuel gauge needle movement.

ACTION
Verify customer concern(s) and discuss or perform the following for the 6 listed concerns.

SERVICE TIPS

1. Use the following 3-click fill method: Fill fuel at the fastest fill rate until first click. Allow approximately 5 seconds and continue to fill at the slowest rate until second click. Then pull fuel nozzle back approximately 25 mm (1") and fill at the slowest rate until third click. This fill method should provide a complete fill. Recommend that customer try a different fill station and use this method.

2. Inspect the three (3) evaporative emission vent hoses that are attached to the carbon canister for blockage/kinks. Check filler pipe for blockage. Inspect evaporative emission hoses between the fuel tank and floor pan for crush/kinks/blockage (this inspection can be performed by lowering the fuel tank).

3. Normal system operation. Review the customer's drive pattern that triggered the low fuel light and compare with the normal operation.

4. The ignition must be in the Off position during fuel fill (as stated in the Owner's Manual). This allows instant calibration between the fuel level and fuel gauge.

5. Normal system operation.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 204000, 204100, 204200, 205000, 206000, 404000

Read more: 99 Taurus Slow Fuel Fill - DoItYourself.com Community Forums

[behlinla]

Yes, try the 3-click method next time and see if you can get more in. If you can get in more than about a gallon after the first click, then you might have partially clogged vent lines.

[msch07]

Thanks, I'll keep you guys posted!

[msch07]

Well I topped it off, after performing the three click method I was able to add roughly 1.2 gallons more after the first click. Hmmm looks like I might need to do some cleaning 😁


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