5520 Fuel Level Gauge

[glcaines]

I have a 2003 JD 5520 with a cab. I'm having problems with correct indication of fuel level. When the tank is near empty the gauge reads near full. When the tank is full, the gauge reads way past full. The needle responds to the fuel level as the level decreases, it just reads incorrectly. I'm guessing that the problem lies with the sender unit in the fuel tank. I'm going to replace the sender, but I'm not certain which sender is correct. According to the parts book I need a SJ16584 fuel sender for a Fuel Tank (With CAB/Isolated Open Operator Station) ( - 420000) or a RE285548 Fuel Tank And Hoses (With CAB/Isolated Open Operator Station) (420001). I have no idea whether I have a 420000 or a 420001 cab. I can't find either number on the tractor. The S/N of the cab is: LVSG066204465 and the tractor S/N is: LV5520P356462. I have a full cab with A/C, etc. Does anyone know how I can find out which cab I have so that I can order the correct sender unit? Does anyone have any ideas if the sender unit is actually responsible for my fuel level issue?

 

[Roadworthy]

Generally the sending unit is like a variable resistor and a float. You may be able to just pull the old one and clean it up a bit. Connect an ohmmeter and move it through its travel. It should respond in a consistent and linear manner. See if it moves smoothly. It could be mechanically sticking.

 

[radios1]

Generally the sending unit is like a variable resistor and a float. You may be able to just pull the old one and clean it up a bit. Connect an ohmmeter and move it through its travel. It should respond in a consistent and linear manner. See if it moves smoothly. It could be mechanically sticking.

I've seen the nichrome wire used for fuel tank gauge resistors get frayed, and stop the sender from working correctly.

 

[radios1]

get the SJ16584 fuel sender unless you need a new fuel tank and hoses(very expensive)..

 

[jd110]

The -420000 refers to the tractor serial number. The dash in front of the number means all numbers preceding 420000/ Since yours is 356462(last six digits), you will need the SJ16584. With that said, i doubt the sending unit is your problem. Try disconnecting the sensor with key on. then touch the wire to a good ground. The needle should sweep through its normal range and not go way past full and should go all the way to empty. I am afraid the problem lies in the gauge which is part of entire instrument cluster.

You may be able to remove instrument cluster and remove the glass to try and manually push the needle back into sync. if needle sweep is off during the above test. Or try bumping the cluster against the heel of your hand while holding cluster in desire angle. The needle can get over center somehow. I think I managed to do that on a unit some years back that had the same issue. Deere offers a lens replacement kit for instrument cluster if you cant get it off without damage. RE72944. About $75 versus entire cluster for around $600