'00 Forester: fuel pump sending unit problem

[stanz]

Does anyone have any experience with this problem? The fuel gauge isnt functioning and its tripping the "check engine" light. Any suggestions on how to get around this or to fix the problem? A new fuel pump comes with the sending unit but is $380 or so from the dealer. According to my mechanic all we need is the sending unit.

thanks!

[backpack09]

What code is it throwing?

My guess would be it is time for a new gas cap.

[stanz]

What code is it throwing?

My guess would be it is time for a new gas cap.

"throwing" fuel sending unit :-?

[backpack09]

What was the code? not what your mechanic said it was.

[stanz]

What was the code? not what your mechanic said it was.

Emissions-Related Powertrain DTCs, Mode 3:
Electronic Control Unit ID: E1
P0463
Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High Input
P0420
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)


thats the OBD II Diagnostics...straight from the print out.

[Bdubs]

There is a way to clean the contacts on the two units. At least on the Legacy's they are accessible from the cargo area in the back, under the carpet liners.
The problem may just be the circuit board is gunked up full of stuff, and just needs to be cleaned. An easy way to do it is with a pencil eraser on the circuit board and a fine emery cloth on the float contact.

But, I don't know if this goes for a Forester as well...Easy way to tell is look under the carpet, and right behind the rear seat there are two oval access doors on the left and right side. Plus, my car never through a CEL due to the sending unit, but that just may be because my car wasn't that advanced (95).

[Huffer]

The P0420 is due to a high or abnormal flow through the exhaust - it's usually the rear O2 sensor (bank 1 usually refers to one side of the exhaust system on a vehicle that has two exhaust pipes - OBD codes are generic that way).
You could be looking at a replacement sensor or even a failing catalytic converter.

The other code, I don't know but it sounds like the it's simply the in-tank fuel level sensor that needs replacing. That's why the fuel gauge isn't working.
It might be stuck, or it might be dead.

[stanz]

Yes, the rear cat has been diagnosed as failed. I'm looking for a way to repair/replace the fuel sending unit attached to the fuel pump without buying both. I have yet to check any dirty contacts which I will do today.