Inaccurate Gas Gauge

[NC2Stay]

Next problem with my '95.

The gas gauge is off. When full, it reads full. When at about 5/8 (i.e. between 1/2 and 3/4 full) today it took 14 and change gallons. For a 20 gallon tank, that is pretty far off.

Any similar experiences? Difficulty of repair (assuming its the sender, not the digital dash or electronics). All the other instrumentation seems to work OK.

Thanks, Bob

PS - you guys here at CAC are really a wealth of information - I am glad I found you!

 

[jmccloud]

gas gauge

Not a big deal to replace. Remove the filler lid and liner to see the inlet/fuel gauge attachment flange. There are a lot of threads on this. Use the 'search' tab above. You'll find photos, prices, and lots of good advice.

 

[RonJ]

The fuel gauge on my 85 was real wonky when I first got it.

I pulled the pump/sender unit and here, where the pivot arm goes through th reohstat(SP) housing, a clip had come off and the arm was sitting crooked in the housing.

I found a suitable clip and the gauge has been good since then.

I do fill the tank by distance though. 300 miles on the tripmeter has me pulling in for gas.

Ron ...

 

[MoeJr]

My 84 is off a little too. At 1/2 tank it will take 14 gallons

 

[Randy Eads]

Remember "SEINFIELD" episode where Kramer test drove the BMW and tried to make it back to the car lot on fumes? ... thats me to the tee!

When my last two bars show on the guage my "reserve" sign comes on and the "fuel info" shows I have got about 40 more miles of range but .. BOOM! ... I run out of gas.

Triple A shows with two gallons (so I am empty+2gallons) then I head for the gas station about ten miles away so I would ASSUME that I have only 1.5gallons in the tank when I fill up ... but n-o-o-o, the car only takes 16.5gal to fill .... for some reason I am not picking up 2 gallons on my 20 gallon tank.

Now when we take off for a roadtrip my wife asks, "How many bars do you have?" as if she is mimicing a cell phone commercial ... not funny!!

 

[Robert]

Same thing happened to my son and I on our first trip in the 84. We were heading to a state park and he says; "OH NO!!! the tank is empty!!"


We went back to a station and filled up an empty 20 gallon tank with 14 gallons. I guess I would rather it be off in that direction.

Robert

 

[MyOtherCar]

I'm not sure, but I'd bet a dollar that you can't run the tank out of gas. Seems from my experience that there is a couple of gallons left in a tank when it "runs out". ergo: My Blazer has an 18 gallon tank but only takes 16 to fill it up. Likewise my Grand Prix, takes two gallons less when empty. I'd agree with Ron, find a mileage number and buy gas when you've gone that far.
Bill

 

[NC2Stay]

Yeah, I can live with it as it is. But from the number of stories here, it looks like the whole design isn't very accurate or reliable.

Anyhow, there are other problems to work on!

Thanks, Bob