Dash - Gas Gauge Stuck

[romeroom]

'95 Mx-3. Bought this car and the gas gauge is stuck on Full.

Any one have any suggestions on how to narrow down the problem and suggested solutions? Thanks.

[wytbishop]

well...I'd start be pulling the pump and float and making sure the float is still attached. Could be a bad sender wire. The fuel level sender is in the fuel tank with the pump pickup. It could be electrical or mechanical but it's in the pump assembly somewhere.

[Daninski]

Be advised the screws are trouble some times to remove cuz of rust. I'd advise you spray them a couple of times a few days apart before trying to remove them. Remember to disconnect the battery first before removing the fuel pump cover. Boom!

[Nd4SpdSe]

You sure it's just one of those cars that never run out of gas?

[MrMazda92]

You sure it's just one of those cars that never run out of gas?

I thought mine was one of those for a while... ended up putting in 1/2 a cup of gas I managed to siphon from a friend's car, got her running and sped across the overpass I was by, to coast about 1/2 a mile down an off-ramp and to a gas station. Lesson learned, my red light comes on, I fill my tank.

[romeroom]

well...I'd start be pulling the pump and float and making sure the float is still attached. Could be a bad sender wire. The fuel level sender is in the fuel tank with the pump pickup. It could be electrical or mechanical but it's in the pump assembly somewhere.

Thanks. Am I correct in assuming I can remove the fuel pump without dropping the tank? From under the back seat? Or am I just greaming?

[romeroom]

You sure it's just one of those cars that never run out of gas?

I checked the mileage today for the first time...26 mpg, primarily city driving. I was pretty pleased with that.

[mikeinaus]

well...I'd start be pulling the pump and float and making sure the float is still attached. Could be a bad sender wire. The fuel level sender is in the fuel tank with the pump pickup. It could be electrical or mechanical but it's in the pump assembly somewhere.

Thanks. Am I correct in assuming I can remove the fuel pump without dropping the tank? From under the back seat? Or am I just greaming?

yes, there is 2 clips under the back seat (near your legs) that will let you remove the cushion. then there is a metal plate with 8 screws or so, then you can access the fuel pump from another 8 screws or so. make sure you relive the fuel pressure in the fuel lines before you disconnect them or youll spray gas everywhere.

[MrMazda92]

well...I'd start be pulling the pump and float and making sure the float is still attached. Could be a bad sender wire. The fuel level sender is in the fuel tank with the pump pickup. It could be electrical or mechanical but it's in the pump assembly somewhere.

Thanks. Am I correct in assuming I can remove the fuel pump without dropping the tank? From under the back seat? Or am I just greaming?

yes, there is 2 clips under the back seat (near your legs) that will let you remove the cushion. then there is a metal plate with 8 screws or so, then you can access the fuel pump from another 8 screws or so. make sure you relive the fuel pressure in the fuel lines before you disconnect them or youll spray gas everywhere.

Some cars(Not sure about ours, I might check now though... have a pressure release valve near their injectors, that'd be a good option for any car ;D

[romeroom]

...yes, there is 2 clips under the back seat (near your legs) that will let you remove the cushion. then there is a metal plate with 8 screws or so, then you can access the fuel pump from another 8 screws or so. make sure you relive the fuel pressure in the fuel lines before you disconnect them or youll spray gas everywhere.

Would disconnecting the electrical harness under the back seat and turning on the car until it quits achieve the same purpose?

[MrMazda92]

Would disconnecting the electrical harness under the back seat and turning on the car until it quits achieve the same purpose?

I can't see why it wouldn't, that's simpler than my idea... Good thinking.

[romeroom]

Have not gone through and checked the pump as suggested. Very busy and as long as I keep track of the mileage, it's OK for now, though still a hasle.

HOWEVER, here's the interesting thing: When the gas level gets so low, a yellow warning light comes on right under the faulty gas gage, which tells me that some signall is coming from the gas tank when fuel is low.

I wish I knew what wires coming from the fuel pump goe directly to the fuel gauge cirtcutry. Then it would be easier to check it out.

[Ryan]

http://www.mx-3.com/manuals/index.php?f ... 0Manual/Z/


Knock yourself out.

IIRC, even if the gauge is stuck, the low fuel light will still come on...