Jeep cherokee gas gauge not working

Jeep cherokee gas gauge not working

Joined Jun 6, 2015

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12,511 Posts

My gas gauge never indicates the tank is full, I fueled up this morning and it was 2 bars below full. Anybody know why?

Hi there,

First time I hear about something like this here on the forum. We've seen people not being able to pump gas into the tank because of pressure caused by overfilling, but not quite like you're describing.

- How much gas have you been able to get into the tank when Empty (or close to Empty) ?
- Do you tend to top off after the first clic ?

Joined Apr 23, 2017

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14 Posts

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 19, 2017

Hi there,

First time I hear about something like this here on the forum. We've seen people not being able to pump gas into the tank because of pressure caused by overfilling, but not quite like you're describing.

- How much gas have you been able to get into the tank when Empty (or close to Empty) ?
- Do you tend to top off after the first clic ?

I get great mileage, I can only assume that the tank is full and the sensor is misreading the levels.
To answer your questions
It goes until it is full then I top off.

I have also not topped off and it never read full.

I've had the jeep since April and it had only ever shown full once. It is still under warranty, wonder if it's a sensor

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Jeep cherokee gas gauge not working

Joined Jun 6, 2015

·

12,511 Posts

I get great mileage, I can only assume that the tank is full and the sensor is misreading the levels.
To answer your questions
It goes until it is full then I top off.

I have also not topped off and it never read full.

I've had the jeep since April and it had only ever shown full once. It is still under warranty, wonder if it's a sensor

Thanks.

Hmmm. I have to wonder if it isn't the known EVAP pressure problem we've seen with some KLs. You don't seem to be aware of this but the Cherokees don't like being topped off after the first clic. Gas gets into the EVAP circuit and it becomes impossible to fill up completely. Some have had this happen with an empty tank and could barely get any gas in.

Could it be the sending unit ? Maybe. But since you did see Full early on and because you do top off, I think it could be a pressure problem. If it is a pressure problem, the fix is complex and you definitely need to have it done at the dealership.

Do you remember what's the most gallons you've been able to get into the Cherokee when Empty, up to 2 bars below Full ?

Joined Apr 23, 2017

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14 Posts

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 19, 2017

Thanks.

Hmmm. I have to wonder if it isn't the known EVAP pressure problem we've seen with some KLs. You don't seem to be aware of this but the Cherokees don't like being topped off after the first clic. Gas gets into the EVAP circuit and it becomes impossible to fill up completely. Some have had this happen with an empty tank and could barely get any gas in.

Could it be the sending unit ? Maybe. But since you did see Full early on and because you do top off, I think it could be a pressure problem. If it is a pressure problem, the fix is complex and you definitely need to have it done at the dealership.

Do you remember what's the most gallons you've been able to get into the Cherokee when Empty, up to 2 bars below Full ?

It will be going to the dealership before it runs out of warranty for its last checkup. I'll be sure to mention the issue.

I have seen after a fill up, the bars eventually go up, but never to full. I'll update when I get it looked at. Your theory is sound and my just be the case

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Jeep cherokee gas gauge not working

Joined Jun 6, 2015

·

12,511 Posts

It will be going to the dealership before it runs out of warranty for its last checkup. I'll be sure to mention the issue.

I have seen after a fill up, the bars eventually go up, but never to full. I'll update when I get it looked at. Your theory is sound and my just be the case

Without knowing how many gallons you can pump into the tank when Empty, I can't say either way, so yeah let the dealership look into it.

If it is a pressure thing, I vaguley recall they need to lower the gas tank... so it's a lenghty job.

Joined Apr 23, 2017

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14 Posts

Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 19, 2017

Without knowing how many gallons you can pump into the tank when Empty, I can't say either way, so yeah let the dealership look into it.

If it is a pressure thing, I vaguley recall they need to lower the gas tank... so it's a lenghty job.

Yikes lol, they can have at it.

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Jeep cherokee gas gauge not working

Joined Jun 6, 2015

·

12,511 Posts

Yikes lol, they can have at it.

Oh and a friendly suggestion : don't mention the topping off part unless they ask. Just in case the service manager is cranky that day and wants to shift blame on you (oops).

I'm not saying it's your fault if it is in fact a pressure issue. But better to play it safe
(= play dumb :wink: ).

Jeep cherokee gas gauge not working

Joined Dec 1, 2013

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5,402 Posts

Topping off the tank is a huge no no these days.
That absolutely could be the issue as you seem to be getting back pressure from the EVAP system which is designed to shut the pump off when the tank is full.
Getting any liquid gas into that EVAP system will be bad. I believe its only meant for vapors.
As Mark said just play dumb and hopefully its a combo of something else.
In the future though when it gas pump clicks off the first time that's it for your fill up.
Good luck with your dealer visit and I do hope its a simple fix.

What would cause gas gauge not to work?

The most common reason a fuel gauge is not working or is inaccurate is due to a bad fuel level sending unit. It can also be caused by bad wirings between the gauge and fuel sender or a blown fuse to the fuel gauge. The fuel gauge itself can also be damaged.

How do I reset my Jeep fuel gauge?

Press and hold the "Trip/Odo" button again until the Odometer says "1." This means that the reset process has begun. Keep holding the button down while the fuel gauge resets. Release the "Trip/Odo" button once the reset is complete.

What does it mean when your gas gauge doesn't move?

Fuel gauge is stuck on full A fuel gauge that only reads full may be caused by a faulty fuel gauge resistor sending the full voltage to the fuel gauge at all times. The fuel sending unit is constantly in motion when a vehicle regularly uses fuel, which causes constant movement of the wiper in the variable resistor.

Why is my fuel gauge stuck on empty?

Fuel gauge stuck on empty Another common symptom of a faulty fuel gauge sender is a gauge that is stuck on empty. If the float somehow breaks or becomes separated from the arm it may cause the fuel gauge to malfunction and become stuck on empty. A faulty resistor can also cause the gauge to read empty.