Fuel Gauge - Incorrect Readings

90ford07

GAUGE - FUEL - DOES NOT READ CORRECTLY

Article No. 90-7-10

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1988-89 CONTINENTAL


This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to include Step # 5 which provides instruction for removing obstructions in the vapor line restrictor at the carbon canister.


ISSUE: A fuel gauge that indicates the correct amount of fuel when the vehicle is first started-up, but after driving 4 to 5 miles indicates about 3 gallons less may be caused by blockage of the fuel vapor line between the fuel tank and the carbon canister. The blockage is usually caused by mechanical crimping or twisting of the vapor line at one of its rubber hose connectors. Also, after the vehicle is shut off and sits for 1 hour, the fuel gauge will indicate the same amount of fuel as when the vehicle was first started-up.

ACTION: Inspect and re-route or unplug the fuel tank vapor vent line. Refer to the following procedure for service details.

VEHICLES BUILT FROM 10/3/88 THROUGH 10/18/88 ONLY:

1. Loosen the fuel tank mounting straps and slightly lower the fuel tank.

NOTE: DO NOT REMOVE THE FUEL TANK.

Figure 1:

2. Inspect the fuel vapor vent line where it exits the top of the fuel tank at the vapor separator, Figure 1. Make sure the fuel vapor vent line is not pinched or twisted between the floorpan and the top of the fuel tank. Service as required.

3. Re-position the fuel tank and tighten the fuel tank mounting straps.

1988 VEHICLES ONLY:

4. Inspect the area where the fuel vapor vent line passes along the dash panel in the rear corner of the engine compartment (passenger side), Figure 1. Pay close attention to the area with the 90~ rubber elbow because it can become pinched if not properly installed. Service as required.

1988 AND 1989 VEHICLES

5. Inspect the vapor line restrictor at the carbon canister. Push the shank end of a .040" drill bit through the blue plastic restrictor located in the short rubber hose at the carbon canister to remove any obstruction.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE THE FLUTED END OF THE DRILL. IT MAY ENLARGE THE OPENING BEYOND ACCEPTABLE LIMITS.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
SUPERSEDES: 89-6-9
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage, Emissions Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
900710A Inspect & Reroute Vapor 0.7 Hr.
Line
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
9A228 02
OASIS CODES: 2300, 2400, 4500