Fuel meter

PCULQUI

MEMBER
1999 BUICK REGAL
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
124,000 MILES

When has is low and I turn on the car, it beeps reminding me it's low on has. After I drive about an 1/8 of a mile, the gas lever moves up to the first "line" and it doesn't beep any more. Why is it giving me a wrong synopsis?
Also, sometimes I can drive up to 185 miles with a full tank and other times up to only 165 miles with a full tank. Why is that?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

As far as the variation in MPG, anything can cause that to happen. The components being used in the vehicle can cause an increase in fuel consumption as well as outside temp, driving patterns and conditions and so on.

Now, when the fuel gauge causes an issue, does it happen regardless of how much fuel is in the tank?

Let me know,

Joe

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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 8:24 PM

PCULQUI

MEMBER
354 POSTS

I believe so. Can't say 100%.

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Saturday, October 5th, 2019 AT 2:05 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Chances are the sending unit in the tank is bad. There is a rheostat attached to the float that sends power based on the fuel level. I suspect that either there is a bad connection at the pump or the rheostat is bad on the level float.

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Saturday, October 5th, 2019 AT 9:36 PM