MD-83
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
In the climb we got 'all dashes' on all five fuel quantity displays. [I] also noticed that the right fuel flow was obviously incorrect; reading far too low or even dashes at times. Tried selecting 'B' fuel quantity indicating system; no help; all dashes. [I] tried abnormal procedure in QRH; which says to press annunciator test button; no help. I called Dispatch and advised them of the situation; advised them that I thought we had no option other than to return to [departure airport]. I advised Dispatch that it would be an overweight landing and that we would declare an emergency with ATC. While I was speaking with Dispatch the First Officer was doing just that and getting us headed back. I gave the flight attendants their briefing and made a PA to the passengers explaining the situation. The First Officer flew the ILS with weather of 500 OVC and 2 SM visibility. The First Officer made a normal touchdown and we taxied to the gate. ARFF was standing by but not needed. After landing the fuel quantity indication returned to normal. We had landed at 134;800 LBS; we had estimated 136;000. [A deadheading] First Officer was on the jumpseat and helped with getting Dispatch on the phone; checking for tripped; circuit breakers; and trouble shooting.
[Narrative 2 had no additional information]
An MD-83 flight crew reported losing their fuel quantity indicating system in flight. They declared an emergency and returned to departure airport.