rgr4475

1998 4.0

So I started the Jeep up this morning and the fuel gauge needle did not move from E and the fuel light and tone came on. Within a few seconds, it slowly started to move up. I knew I had about 3/4 of a tank. Within a minute, it got to the proper spot but slowly. I shut the jeep off and back on a few times and it was working normally.

I did a little searching and it seems it could be the sending unit starting to go bad or the wiring. Someone also suggested cleaning the contacts of the sending unit. Am I correct that for 98's, the tank must come off in order to gain access to the sending unit? Anything else this might be? Thanks!

freegdr

Correct. Suggestion if you drop tank install new assembly .

rgr4475

Suggestions on brands and/or where to order to do that? And does that usually fix the problem of a stuck gauge like I described? My wife drives it and wouldn't be too keen on the tracking the mileage method.

freegdr

Carter or Bosch only full assembly. Seeing pumps most likely oem with filter and sending unit it deff a plus getting new pump filter and sending unit. You use to be able to ground sensor wire at pump plug to gauge and if gauge moved it would suspect sending units bad.,

Jeepin'_Aint_EZ

My 98 has 73k original miles on it. That includes the fuel pump. I started having fuel gauge issues where it would sweep back and forth or go completely empty whenever it wanted to then come back but the level was always changing. Then I began having to poor man prime my jeep because the pump would drain pressure back after sitting. I waited because the pump still created plenty of pressure. Then it died on my drive to work. No warning signs, no driveability issues, just quit. So to save you the headache I had to go through getting towed, Just replace the whole unit with a quality Bosch or Carter pump assembly. It's worth the peace of mind alone

When I pulled the old pump I noticed that the resistor board (which has the float on it to determine fuel level) had plenty of charring on it which means it was shorting, causing my gauge issues. This is probably what's causing your gauge issues as well.

rgr4475

Thanks for the info all.