Fuel gauge not working then works after engine restart

[RodMac]

2005 Sport Trac, I start it and start driving and the fuel gauge reads below empty with no warning light on for low fuel. I pull over and restart the engine and the gauge reads correctly. Any ideas on what is starting to fail? It does not read incorrectly every time I start it.

 

[Todd Z]

sounds like the sender is going bad in the tank.... replace the pump too...

 

[RodMac]

I’ll wait for summer to change the sender and fuel pump. Thanks for the direction forward.

 

[antny024]

Fuel tank sender/sending unit is probably going bad. Very difficult to diag properly unless you're willing to drop the tank/remove the bed to access the fuel pump.. You would have to remove it and using a multimeter check for proper ohm's when lifting and lowering the float. Usually it's a sign the fuel pump is on it's last leg.. Ford fuel pumps have a tendency to stop working when hot, then starting again when cooled off. Hope that helps.. Good luck

 

[WinoOutWest]

If you are waiting for spring/summer to pull it you can try adding a few bottles of sea foam to your tank. It seemed to improve (although not totally cure) my gauge flakiness that was doing the same thing.

 

[JohnnyB]

I am having a fuel gauge problem also. It has happened 4 times or so over the last month. The gauge just goes to empty and the low fuel indicator lights up and beeps. After a while it is back to normal the next time i start it. I assume it is what was said above.

Which sea foam product helped?

Thanks

 

[WinoOutWest]

there motor treatment:
https://seafoamworks.com/product/sea-foam-motor-treatment-oil-fuel-additive/

 

[Tylerxp2]

2005 Sport Trac, I start it and start driving and the fuel gauge reads below empty with no warning light on for low fuel. I pull over and restart the engine and the gauge reads correctly. Any ideas on what is starting to fail? It does not read incorrectly every time I start it.

Mine has done that over the years also. 2004.
After restarting its fine.
I think its a CPU thing, just needs a reboot sometimes. Also maybe check battery voltage. After replacing my battery I haven't had the problem.
Good luck.