2002 Ford Explorer: wrong fuel gauge reading

Filed Dec 26, 2012 · Fuel system · 84,000 miles · IL

The fuel gauge dropped to empty while on a trip left us all stranded in cold!

Filed May 15, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 135,000 miles · IA

As I was driving home from work my fuel gauge went from full to empty and the check gauge light came on then the vehicle died and I lost power steering and the power brakes.

Filed May 11, 2012 · Fuel system · 68,400 miles · NY

Fuel gauge off - did not want to start - dealer fixed under warranty , changed fuel pump 20 days later took back again , still had trouble start , bad fuel reading - changed pump again, took back 45 days later , fuel gauge not working - 3 days later , found bad fuel sender card [board] ordering new board as I write this. Common problem with these explorer gauges sodium buildup on unit due to the crap 10% ethanol added . All being fixed under warranty , thank god! My daughters 2005 explorer starting to have fuel gauge problems also 69,000 miles.

Filed Mar 5, 2012 · Fuel system · 90,870 miles · MN

I noticed one day that my gas gauge showed empty when I knew I had gas, the next time I started the engine my gas gauge worked. From that day it works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. I am afraid that it will give out completely one day and can't afford to fix it. I have read many complaints about this problem and wonder why there is not a recall as I feel ford should take responsibility here as it is clearly a defect.

Filed Aug 8, 2011 · Fuel system · 74,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While driving at approximately 45 MPH, the fuel gauge reading began to fluctuate erratically . The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The technicians stated sugar was found in the fuel system. The technicians replaced the fuel pump,cleaned the fuel tank, and replaced the fuel filter. After the repairs, the fuel gauge continued to read empty constantly. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000. Updated 09/20/2011 *ln

Filed Nov 25, 2010 · Fuel system · MI

The fuel gauge, most of the time, does not work.

Filed Sep 15, 2010 · Electrical, Fuel system · 64 miles · NY

Even with a full tank of gas the gas gauge will go to "0" and the "check gauge" light comes on because the sender assembly unit of the gas gauge does not work. There had been another 2002 explorer brought in for the same problem that morning. The part is not available and is on back order. The part cost $76.79 but the labor will be $270! This is a lot of money for us to pay due to an fords engineering problem. Are many other 2002 explorers experiencing the same problems? Many times, because the fuel sending unit is corrupted, it will put too much fuel in injectors, which has caused my car to "bog down" especially dangerous at intersections and at hwy entrance ramps.

Filed Jun 13, 2009 · Electrical, Fuel system · 40,000 miles · VA

When I tried to remove my key from the ignition, the entire ignition cylinder came out!! My car had to be towed and have a new cylinder installed! A year later, it happened again!!! So I have had to replace my ford ignition cylinder twice and my car only has 60,000 miles on it now---so probably had only about 40,000 miles the first time it happened and 50,000 the second time. Also-- now my fuel gauge says empty all the time, even after I just filled it with gas! And it's too expensive to fix! I did get the driver seatbelt fixed, because it didn't tighten, but now it's too hard to pull out and use! Lastly, both inside mirror covers have just cracked off when lifting open, and I can't afford to replace both of the entire visors! We have 3 fords and this is the only one that's ever had problems. Dates are spread out so it's too hard to complete that part of the form below.

Filed Jan 26, 2007 · Body, Fuel system · 75,000 miles · NH

The middle panel under the glass in the back of the car has cracked. I suspect it was due to cold weather. I have since seen other explorers with this problem and notice that there are a lot of complaints online about this. In addition, this past summer my shifter snapped off the barrel. I had 4 kids in the car at the time. Ford responded by telling me that I had 75k miles and no warranty and I didn't typically get my car serviced there so they weren't going to be willing to "work with me" to get it resolved. When I told him I had my 'regular' mechanic look at it he said that the labor rate was probably cheaper with him than at ford. Well - now tell me why I would service my car at a ford dealership? Oh yeah...in case I get cracks or shifters fall off and maybe they'll 'work with me' on the price. Big incentive. Oh yeah, my fuel gauge doesn't work - another common problem. My previous explorer (about 10 years back) had the same problem . The guy up the street has an explorer (2003) and it doesn't work either.

Filed Dec 6, 2004 · Fuel system · TX

Even with a full tank of gas the gas gauge will go to "0" and the "check gauge" light comes on because the sender assembly unit of the gas gauge does not work. When we took our explorer to dub miller ford in rosenberg on nov. 19th, there had been another 2002 explorer brought in for the same problem that morning. The part is not available and is on back order. The part cost $76.79 but the labor will be $270! This is a lot of money for us to pay due to an ford's egineering problem. Are many other 2002 explorers experiencing the same problems? Thanks! Shelley and gale towns.

Filed Aug 24, 2004 · Fuel system · CA

When the fuel tank was filled up it registered empty twelve hours later. However, fuel tank read full. Vehicle has ran out of gas on more than one occasion. Consumer drove the vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that fuel sending unit needed to be replaced.

Filed Aug 14, 2004 · Electrical, Fuel system · 5,131 miles · VA

13jan03-rear windshield washer inoperative reinstall rear washer hoses. 5nov03-clicking noise from rear A/C; replace motor assembly temperature blend. 5nov03&13nov03-l/r power mirrors inop; fuse blows; replaced mirror rear view outside sail mount 13nov03-fuel guage inop read 1/2 tank but tank was full; 20nov03-instrument cluster fuel gauge inop; 24nov03-removed and replaced instrument cluster; 18mar04-fuel guage inop & l/r power mirrors inop, fuse blows; could not duplicate problem at this time about fuel guage; tested bce for short, traced to mirror switch, replaced switch and blown fuse; 20 july 04-l/r power mirrors inop; replaced fuse; 20 july 04 - rear winshield washer inop; access washer hose and reconnect; 20 july 04- air conditioner not cooling properly; replaced blower motor for poor operation; motor assembly-heater-A/C blower replaced. 20 july 04 - mechanics broke the drivers door switch cover- 23 july 04 -reordered door panel and replaced drivers door switch cover.