My fuel gauge will show about half a tank left, But the car acts like it's empty. What could this be? and how do you fix it? Help.

 

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First...check the fuse.


Other than that, fuel pump or fuel pump relay bad. Could possibly be the fuel filter or injectors. Filter is possible, injectors less probable. Yes, could be the pressure regulator....but thats' a long shot.

When you turn the key to the "on" position, do you hear a "click": under the drivers' side firewall area about 2 seconds after? If not, I'd bet fuel pump relay.

If you hear that, can you hear the fuel pump running before you hear the "click"?(low hum in the trunk area). If not, fuel pump is bad.

Just my thoughts.

Good luck....fuel delivery probs in a TBI can be a PITA!!!!

 

Sorry, i should have gone more in depth. The car runs okay, but i think either the gauge or sending unit is bad. The needle jumps a little bit, and the only way i know if it's empty is going by the mileage.

 

Sending unit, most likely. Guage seems to be working....just wrong.


A bit of advice. You'll understand if you do it....


To replace the sending unit you have to drop the tank.

Put a new fuel pump in while you're there. You don't want to do this twice!!!!!

 

Thanks, I will give it a try and post the results.

 

Please...I MUST warn you!

If there is ANY possibility that the sending unit is not the problem....try that possibility FIRST!!!!!!

If you insist on replacing it, get a Haynes' manual, at least!

This is not a job for the faint hearted!

You must drop the exhaust(at least the hangers) and rear axle to drop the fuel tank.

Think...LONG WEEKEND!!!!