Gas warning light coming on WAY late if at all.

[harrymaneuvers]

Ok so I want to know where to start to correct this. I have noticed over the last year or so that the low fuel indicator is coming on later and later...

Just this last fill up, I knew I was running really low because I keep track, but my gas light never came on and I put 14.8 gallons in it!!!!!!!!


Sometimes the light doesnt come on until the needle is on the E line or below it... where a few years ago it would come on about 1/8 of an inch about the E line... which doesnt sound like much but it is definitely noticeable.


What is my plan of attack? And yes I know I just bought a scangauge 2 but I am ADHD and this sort of stuff bugs the shit out of me.


Any thoughts are appreciated.

[mike-tracy]

Most likely you have 1 or 2 bad fuel level senders. One is part of the fuel pump assembly, but you can buy it separately of course. I replaced mine once - it didn't fix the fuel needle being inaccurate, but the fuel light comes on when it's supposed to now.

[harrymaneuvers]

Hmm... Well maybe that will fix my issue... The needle reads accuratly... it just doesnt turn the warning lamp on in time...

What would I be searching for in terms of a replacement part...


Also, you said one of them in on the fuel pump... where is the other?

[mike-tracy]

There are two access ports to the gas tank from the top, only one has a pump on it. I only replaced the one that had the pump on it, maybe the needle would have read accurately had I replaced the other? LOL. Oh well, the car is long gone now.

[peter]

Im curious about this as well, but my gas light comes on way early. Once I had just under half a tank and it came on

[harrymaneuvers]

Havent even gotten a chance to look at it yet.

It just got moved up a few spots on the ol "things to do" list.

[1-3-2-4]

All based on temp

[DevC]

Hmm, didnt even know these cars had fuel lights, guess mine pooched too.

[harrymaneuvers]

I noticed when I was starting my car that the Gas light wouldnt even come on for a moment... causing me to believe the bulb was burnt... well I replaced it and still nothing.


If it was the sending unit... would the light not come on at all when the car is first started?

FYI - should have removed the steering column cover... I chewed the vinyl up slightly getting the cluster in and out.

[Okin DaVanh]

Any info from your M/Y specific Legacy FSM?

[harrymaneuvers]

I wouldnt even know where or how to look... I assume you are talking about the wiring diagrams.

[prodriver1]

is the wagon tank different? cuz its a 15.9 gallon capacity so sayith my manual. so at 14.8 you should have plenty and the light wouldn't come on. at what measurement is the light supposed to go on? my gauge reads empty by 120 miles or so and after another 130 miles my light goes on, after that I get maybe 30-40 miles and I'm out. so something is messed up

[Okin DaVanh]

I wouldnt even know where or how to look... I assume you are talking about the wiring diagrams.
Yes, that and the way that your pump may be set up.


All based on temp
Hmmmm... :smt017