F150 gas gauge issue

I can get a little more specific if you tell me the year, color, and trim level. From my buddy Grok.

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Ballpark Estimate for Replacing the Fuel Level Sending Unit (Including Float)Average Cost (Professional Repair): According to RepairPal, the cost to replace a Ford F-150 fuel level sending unit ranges from $1,108 to $1,432. This includes:

Parts: $800–$1,000 (fuel level sending unit, which includes the float, and possibly related components like gaskets or seals).
Labor: $300–$450, based on 2–4 hours of labor at an average rate of $85–$150 per hour, depending on the shop and region.

DIY Cost: If you replace the sending unit yourself, costs are significantly lower:Parts: A replacement fuel level sending unit can cost $50–$200 from retailers like AutoZone or RockAuto, depending on whether you choose an aftermarket or OEM part.

Tools/Supplies: You may need basic tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.), and possibly a floor jack or cargo straps to lower the fuel tank, adding $0–$100 if you don’t already own these.

Total DIY cost: $50–$300, assuming no additional complications.

Factors Affecting CostModel Year and Configuration: Older F-150s (e.g., 1997–2003) may have simpler systems, potentially lowering costs, while newer models (e.g., 2017–2025) may have integrated components requiring more expensive parts.

Access to the Sending Unit: In some F-150s, the fuel level sending unit can be accessed via a service port under the rear seat or trunk lining, making the job quicker. In others, the fuel tank must be dropped, increasing labor time and cost.

Related Repairs: If the fuel pump or fuel filter is also faulty, technicians often recommend replacing them simultaneously, as they’re accessed during the same procedure. This could add:Fuel Pump: $922–$1,257 or $50–$200 for parts if DIY.

Fuel Filter: $92–$140.

Geographic Location: Labor rates vary widely. For example, rates in Illinois for a 1997 F-150 were quoted at $85–$125/hour, while urban areas or dealerships may charge $150/hour or more.

Parts Quality: OEM parts are pricier than aftermarket options. For instance, a fuel tank pressure sensor (related to the sending unit) was quoted at $95 from a dealer, while aftermarket options may be cheaper.

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Go everywhere in reverse, that way, the fuel will always flow from your tank to the engine due to inertia.

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My F150’s dash gauge stays on E, regardless of how full. Says zero miles to empty. Mechanic thinks it’s the float in the tank that needs replacing and said it’d cost roughly $1,000 because you have to drop the tank out. This sound right?

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We talking 1960 or 2019 model?

I’d just keep gas in it at this point. The green is diesel fyi.

Cheaper and easier to pull the bed. If it’s 2015 or newer, the bed is aluminum and super light.

If you’re the DIY type- You’ll need a breaker bar and either a TP55 or Ep24 socket (dependent on year)- do not try to break the bed bolts with an impact. Inevitably, one of the two (or both) front bed bolts won’t budge and will snap your bit. Reason: the nuts are not fully threaded and the bolts cut the threads when installed at the factory, they also use blue loctite. Why is it always the front bed bolts? I wish I knew.

Ford says the bed bolts are “one-time use”, but before I knew that, I reused them all the time. To do it correctly, they should be replaced.

You’ll need to unbolt the fuel neck, disconnect the tail lamp harnesses and a couple of grounds. Book time for remove and install of the bed is 2 hours. If you have access to a two post lift, it’s quick and easy. If not, time to buy beer and call three buddies.

It’s a 2010. Still runs great. Just a pain dealing with this.

There is the redneck way to replace the float/sending unit: it involves tin snips and not being worried about aesthetics of the bed floor.

I’ve seen a few GM 1500 products from the 2000-2010 period with the scar of that fix procedure.

I’m lazy. I’d just fill it up and reset the trip odometer. Refuel when you think you have about 1/4 tank left.

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We talking 1960 or 2019 model?

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I am having trouble finding a pic of a 1960 F-150.

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I am having trouble finding a pic of a 1960 F-150.

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Even the 1960 Ford brochure is too.

I was going to say something but I wasn’t sure when the F-150 model debuted.

(1975 MY for the curious)

Mine did this last year. They installed a new valve assembly/cannister-fuel vapor store. Fixed the issue.