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Fuel gauge not working

Tiny
LOU20
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 KIA RIO
  • 155,000 MILES
I filled my gas tank but my needle showing Empty. This problem started over the weekend. It started working properly again. Now it's back not working. Still going back and forth from F to E.
Friday, June 3rd, 2022 AT 1:18 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

This issue could be due to a faulty fuel level sending unit. The fuel level sending unit consists of a resistor panel and a float. As the float moves up/down it registers a different value on the resistor panel, that gets sent to the gauge.
Over time the resistor can go bad and send incorrect signal to the gauge.

The level sender is part of the fuel pump.

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

I have attached diagrams below for your reference.

Let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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Friday, June 3rd, 2022 AT 10:45 AM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
So, I will need a fuel pump?
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Friday, June 3rd, 2022 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
That is likely the issue, yes.
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Friday, June 3rd, 2022 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
LOU20
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
Hello, following back up I change the fuel pump and my fuel gauge is still going from full to empty. What else could possibly be causing it not to read correctly?
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Friday, October 28th, 2022 AT 7:09 AM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Was there any corrosion of the fuel pump connector?
If the signal wire for the level is corroded or loose it won't send the signal to the gauge.
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Sunday, October 30th, 2022 AT 10:00 AM
Tiny
LOU20
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
I will have to ask the mechanic who changed the fuel pump. When it read E and I turn the car off and then back on it reads correct.
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Friday, November 11th, 2022 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
The signal wire might have too much resistance due to corrosion or heating up. That could be why it reads correct when you shut off and turn back on.
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Friday, November 11th, 2022 AT 9:48 PM
Tiny
LOU20
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
Where are the signal wires located?
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
That is the connector that is attached tot he fuel pump module. See attached diagrams. That plug could be corroded or have bad connection.
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Saturday, November 19th, 2022 AT 6:55 AM

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