JD 5310 Fuel Gauge problem

[Dean Baker]

I have a 1999 John Deere 5310 and the fuel gauge quit working. I first noticed the gauge being unstable as it would swing from empty to full with only the slightest movement of the tractor. Now it does not respond at all and is stuck in approximately the 8 oclock position. I changed the sending unit with a new unit from my local JD dealer although it was a different design than the stock SU. This did not fix the problem. Any ideas? Could this be an instrument cluster issue?

 

[JD5210]

Does the needle go to empty when the key is off? If no most likely the problem is in the instrument cluster.

Still would not hurt to perform these test. At the fuel tank connect (orange/353) to ground wire at the fuel tank (black/010B). The gauge should go to full. If not check for corroded connections or break in orange wire between sender and instrument panel connector. To do this on a none cab tractor, disconnect the negative side of the battery (I find it is easier to take out the bolt that connects the negative battery cable to the frame). Take out the 4 screws on the panel that the key switch is on. Remove the 3 bolts that hold the left side cowl and 2 screws on the instrument cluster. You should be able to unplug the big plug on the back of the cluster. Using an ohm meter test the orange wire 353 on this plug back to the other end at the tank. Check for continuity to ground through black wire Nos. 010B and /010K to cap screw on rockshaft cover.

 

[Dean Baker]

Thanks for the quick reply. The gauge does not move with the switch on or off. I will run the tests that you suggest as soon as I can. May be a few days but I will reply and let you know the results.

Thanks again.