Re: '99 Fuel Gauge Problems... (long) (archive)

I was traveling on the freeway the other day when my low fuel light illuminated. No big deal, I've run it this empty before - like most cars it usually means you have 2+ gallons left.

But only a mile or two later, the car started sputtering and then died. After pulling over to shoulder, the car would restart, but die again if I gave it any throttle. Was stuck on the inside median of the freeway, so I gave up and called roadside assistance. A mere 2.5 hours later, the tow truck showed up to haul me, my friend and my car to the dealer.

I explained the gauge behavior to the dealer and told them to check the sending unit, as I had heard (here) that they can be problematic. Of course, the dealer adds a gallon of gas, gets the car started and tells me I ran out of gas. They claim "everything works properly". They then proceeded to charge me ~100 dollars for this "diagnosis".

The wife picked up the car yesterday (I was golfing... ). She said the car was 1/4 full when she left the dealer for work. Later, when she left work, the car showed half full. Confused, she went to the Chevron across the street to fill it up, where it took 12.5+ gallons of gas. It now shows full. Something's obviously wrong with the accuracy of the gauge, as it wouldn't gulp 12+ gallons of fuel if it was really half full.

So, this question - anyone else had an optimistic fuel gauge in addition to erratic behavior? I don't trust it any longer, but I'd like some documented history of identical problems so I can make my case. I'd also like my 100 dollars back from the dealer for their bogus diagnosis.

Thanks.

-Rick

http://www.apexcone.com/TechProcedures/FuelSendingUnits/FuelSendingUnits.html

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