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bchslap

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
So every time I get in the car, and go, i look at the fuel gauge.. I like to monitor the fuel mileage regularly, since I drive 120-130mi/day.. It's a '90 coupe, with an SR20DET, 5speed. I average about 25-28mpg, over the course of a tank..

Here's the dealio.. Recently, as int he past couple of weeks, Ive noticed my fuel gauge, will sometimes go way beyond full (as if the sender wire is grounding). After awhile, it'll return to the correct position, and stay there for a few minutes, then make the trip back to max full position.

I've looked for obvious areas of shorting to ground, but see nothing. Is this a common issue? I searched the forums, but didn't turn up anything. Just trying to narrow it down to what the causes could be, to ease the fix.

Lemme know if you've got any ideas. Thanks!

Oh, this is a standard, non-HUD cluster.
 
I would suppose the level sending unit is on its way out. Crack open the access in the back and snoop around. Its just a variable resistor on a float.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
ok, cool.. I'll be checking that out tomorrow, then.. Its really wierd, though, that it always seems to be about 15-20 minutes or so, after the car's been running, that it starts doing it.

I'll check the float assembly out tomorrow, though.. Thanks.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
yeah, im hoping it isnt the gauge, but we'll see.. I'll take it out tomorrow. I know that I average about 300-320mi on 3/4 tank, so at least that'll keep me from running out, since i can use that as a guide until the gauge is fixed..
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
well, my daily commute takes me through the countryside, with towns few/far between. running out of gas would, for lack of a better word.. SUCK :) I'd be walking for awhile to find a gas station.. or life.
 
Like Shwag said, it's probably the sending unit. I remember before i replaced my water pump and thermostat (not sure if that was what was causing it) my temp gauge would jump when I'd rev over 5k in neutral for some reason. Last i remember it stopped doing it though.
 
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