Hi, I just bought a 1995 Dakota (4cyl) and the Fuel Gage doesn't work. The needle doesn't budge at all, however the Fuel Warning Light works (quite handy!).

So, I am wondering based on that info, if someone can give me some insight as to what is wrong and how to fix it?

I thank you all and look forward to your replies!

 

Could be a wiring issue, gauge itself or the sender on the pump. Mine was doing the same thing and I got lucky and the gauge starting working again when I replaced the pump. However the gauge itself is still goofy, if it gets below 1/4 tank and I fill up it will stick at 1/4 for a day or two, lol. Like you said though the low fuel light will still work properly.

 

Common problem in Dakota trucks, most likely the sending unit in the tank. You must buy the pump and the sending unit together. About $165.00 at most parts stores. Cheaper just to use the light.

 

If it starts and runs okay, the wiring or sending unit for your gauge is probably toast. I replaced my pump hoping to fix the same prob and no dice. Just use your low fuel light as a hint to get gas...it goes off when you get down to 4 or 5 gallons. Use your trip odometer to figure out your mpg. My low fuel light quit working, so I just reset the trip odometer when I get gas and then drive until I'm somewhere between 200 and 215 on the odometer, then pull in for gas again.

 

215!!! holy crap i hope you only have the 15 gallon tank not the 22 because i floor it every chance i get and after 275 miles it takes 18 gallons mine doesnt work either so i have to use the light

 

Nope, I have the 22 gallon tank so that works out to about 12 mpg in town...driving mostly like grandma. On the highway it bumps up to 15 mpg...if I run the AC, forgedaboutit.

 

Holy crap man. I hope your running a V-8, and if you are, give that S.O.B. a tune up!

 

Yep, it's a 93 5.2L (318 V-8)...tuned it up earlier this year. Engine has more than 180K on it, but runs like a top and uses just a little bit of oil. I was hoping to get 15 mpg in town and 17 mpg highway after the tune up but, oh well...gotta have a truck to pull the boat.