4 replies to this topic

[tms1001]

I have an issue with my fuel gauge (confirmed by the fact I ran out this morning )

 

When I turn on the iginition, fuel gauge rises and stops just short of half way.  Thats where it stays until the iginition is turned off - same every time - and the needle falls.

 

The car sat for some time prior to my ownership - can the float get stuck?  It seems that everything is 'working' - its just a confused!

 

Suggestions given to me were:

 

Fill and rock the car

Fill the tank right up to dislodge float

 

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

 

[sonikk4]

These can be removed from the tank so it may pay you to do that but it could be the fact the sender is faulty. Check the connection first before taking the sender out.

[tms1001]

I'm not sure of the shelf life of a sender but in the history it only had one a couple of years ago

[RedRuby]

If you take the two wires off the sender unit and join them together then turn the ignition to position 2 if the needle on the gauge goes up to the full position it is suggestive that the sender unit is at fault. If this is the case do as sonikk says remove the sender unit and check it out for correct function, remember when taking the sender out to ensure that the fuel level is below the sender unit fitting, which unless you have filled up since running out you should be alright.

[dklawson]

Also be aware that there are two common senders with the later (1992 and later?) having a bent arm.  If the wrong one is fitted based on the tank design, the float arm may get wedged or stuck. 

 

In answer to your more general question, yes floats can get stuck.  However, if it is not the mechanical fit issue I mentioned above, it is typically the result of years of sitting in a moist climate.