Fuel Pumps question?

JAIME GUZMAN

MEMBER
2008 DODGE CHARGER
2.7L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
190,000 MILES

The car listed above has 2 fuel pumps. Last week the fuel pump on the driver's side was replaced after the car shut off (not the fuel transfer unit). The car runs fine. However, I noticed after filling it up the gas gauge was reading about 1 or 2 ticks less than full. I take my car back to the shop for a quality check. They deemed the second gas pump defective and the reason for the gauge not reading accurately. The car gas gauge was reading correctly before the first pump was replaced. The car does not shut off after less than half a tank is left in the car so I'm assuming the fuel transfer pump is working. My question is, does it seem plausible that the reason my gauge isn't reading accurately is due to the second fuel pump being faulty?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

No, that doesn't make sense. Your vehicle does have two fuel level senders. The reading of these senders is averaged out to give us the fuel gauge reading. When diagnosing a sender concern, the passenger side reading should never be higher than the driver's side reading. It is possible, depending on fuel level and driving habit before diagnosing, to spill fuel over to the passenger side that might indeed show a lower resistance value than the driver side.

Based on how the units work and if there wasn't an issue prior, something isn't installed correctly. I find it hard to believe the sender failed on the right side during the time they replaced the left side.

I would have them recheck their work. In theory, the float may not be positioned correctly or the connecting rod on the sender could be bent. See pic below.

Joe

Let me know.

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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 8:22 PM

JAIME GUZMAN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for the response. You were correct. The issue wasn't with the sender on the right side. The new fuel pump on the left side was faulty and replaced under their warranty. I appreciate the quick and insightful response.

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Tuesday, September 27th, 2022 AT 10:10 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Jamie,

Thanks for the update. I had a feeling that was the issue, but one can never be sure.

Regardless, I'm glad to know it was taken care of. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions. You are part of the family now. LOL And, you are always welcome.

Take good care of yourself.

Joe

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Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 AT 4:59 PM