***Fuel Sensor Failure*** HELP!!!

[2003 PathGrinder]

Hey guys,
So... about 2 weeks ago I noticed that my gas gauge was fluctuating in dramatic increments. One day it would be at 3/4 a tank, then next 1/4 or less. Didn't really think too much about it until I ran out of gas on a busy street.
Got past that.. Anyways, now it only functions between 3/4 and full. Any less and it just stays at 3/4. So I am constantly making sure I am full getting gas every other day...
What is the common issue/ fix here I am dealing with? Faulty sensor? Faulty Gauge? Fuel pump? Injectors? Fuse?
I appreciate any input! Thanks!!!

[darylzero]

Sounds like a faulty sender unit. They a located in the gas tank. Sometimes there is one or more, not sure how many are in the pathfinder.

[rgk]

There is one in the Pathfinder. Pop up your back seat and open the access cover to the fuel tank. Be very careful when removing the fuel pump and sender assembly. It can be tricky.

With the sender connector unplugged and facing you, and with the snap piece facing up, probe the top left and bottom right terminals with an ohmeter. At empty (float down), the sender should read 78 to 85 ohms. At half it should read 27 to 35, and at full 4 to 6 ohms.

If resistance does not smoothly change with the float's travel, replace the sending unit by removing the fuel pump from it and replacing the o-ring.

[2003 PathGrinder]

Awesome, thanks for the detailed response! So, really all I would potentially need here is an o-ring? What size? Or would I need to get a sending unit and replace the o-ring? Thanks again!!!

[barnaclebob]

In the mean time buy gas based on your mileage. You should be able to go 250 miles between fill-ups safely.

[04Chinook]

I have this same issue with my 2004 Pathfinder. Spent $150 on fuel sending unit, fuel gauge still doesn't work properly. Like "barnaclebob" said, just watch your mileage and reset every time you fill up.

This guy claims to have a fix for it, but $200 is a bit much for fixing a fuel gauge.
http://www.mrwhizard.com/Repair%20Pricing.cfm#Start