Gas gauge goes from full to empty to 3/4 to 1/4 to empty?

Tiny
12PEACHES
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 BUICK REGAL
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
My car is able to "make" gas. The gas gauge goes from full to empty to 3/4 to 1/4 to empty and by the time I got home it was at 1/2. What is causing my gas gauge to act this way and how expensive is it to repair.
Sunday, February 1st, 2009 AT 10:44 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like an issue with the fuel level sending unit.
That sending unit is a part of the fuel pump assembly.
The sending unit consists of a resistor and a float.
The float goes up and down with the fuel level and connects with different values on the resistor panel.
Over time the resistor panel can go bad and that will give you incorrect fuel level. It can read higher or lower than what is in the tank.

In order to replace the level sending unit you will have to take out the pump from the fuel tank.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
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Monday, September 20th, 2021 AT 8:01 AM

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