Hi everyone, I’m confused about what’s going on with my van. After filling the tank, I can only drive about 190 miles before the gauge drops to E and the low fuel light comes on. However, when I stop to refill, it only takes about $20 worth of gas (5-6 gallons) instead of the full 21.5 gallons the tank can hold. Could the float or sending unit be broken? Also, how do I access and inspect the tank if needed?
It does sound like the float or the sending unit is faulty. The float might be stuck, or the sending unit could be giving incorrect readings.
MarioKing said:
It does sound like the float or the sending unit is faulty. The float might be stuck, or the sending unit could be giving incorrect readings.
Thanks! Is there a way to test the float without taking the tank apart?
@Steve
You’d need to access the tank to manually inspect the float. Sometimes a diagnostic tool can help confirm the issue without dismantling everything.
Check the wiring and connections to the fuel sending unit first. Corrosion or loose wires could cause erratic readings.
Juneta said:
Check the wiring and connections to the fuel sending unit first. Corrosion or loose wires could cause erratic readings.
Good idea, I’ll inspect the wiring and connections. Hopefully, it’s something simple like that.
If it’s consistently taking only 5-6 gallons to refill after the gauge hits E, the problem is almost definitely with the sending unit or float. You might need to drop the tank to fix it.
EdwardGenesis said:
If it’s consistently taking only 5-6 gallons to refill after the gauge hits E, the problem is almost definitely with the sending unit or float. You might need to drop the tank to fix it.
Thanks! I’ll see if I can access the sending unit to check the float. Do you know how hard it is to drop the tank?
@Steve
It depends on your vehicle, but it usually involves removing the straps holding the tank. Make sure the tank is nearly empty before attempting it.
You might want to confirm your actual fuel mileage before diving into repairs. Reset the trip meter and calculate MPG on your next fill-up.
NiroNomad said:
You might want to confirm your actual fuel mileage before diving into repairs. Reset the trip meter and calculate MPG on your next fill-up.
Good call. I’ll track my mileage next time to see if it’s just a fuel consumption issue. Thanks!
If you’re not comfortable dropping the tank, a mechanic can inspect the sending unit and float for you. It might save you a lot of time and effort.
Murphy said:
If you’re not comfortable dropping the tank, a mechanic can inspect the sending unit and float for you. It might save you a lot of time and effort.
That’s probably my backup plan if I can’t figure it out. Thanks for the advice!