Ford Repair: Gas Guage, ford taurus, fuel guage

Question
I have a 2001 Ford Taurus.  The gas guage is doing strange things.  I can fill it up and it will show full.  Then after 120 miles it still shows full and sometimes it goes to flat "E".  From time to time it will fluctuate in between.  I have been told by a couple of non-experts that I need new sensors, gas pump, guage and that the tank will have to be dropped.  I almost forgot to mention that the check engine light comes on and that I had the code check at my local AZ, and they said it need it was a dealer repair item, but were not specific as to what it could be.  What does this sound like and is it going to cost me a bundle?  Thanks. Scott

Answer
The only way for me to help you with any code is to know the code. Is this a flex-fuel Taurus? If so they had many problems with the fuel guages. If it is not a flex fuel, then you need to find out what the code is/means, and start from there. Chances are you will need a new sender for the fuel guage. I do not have advice as far as to cost, that is not one of my areas of knowledge.