Q: Faulty gas gauge or sending unit?

asked by on November 16, 2016

I was driving down one night and my engine suddenly stalled. I initially ruled out lack of gas since my gas gauge says I still have over half a tank remaining. However, just to be sure, I put in some gas using a jerry can and yes, the car did start. So the tank was empty. At this point (having added only 5L of gas, as per the jerry can's capacity), the fuel gauge still said over half tank (same position as before my engine stalled).

I filled the tank up to full. The gas gauge went up, but not exactly "full".

Would this be a faulty gas gauge in the instrument cluster, or a faulty sending unit?

Thanks

My car is a 2001 Honda Civic Si with 205,000 kilometers.
My car has a manual transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Trouble With My reverse gear
You should put the vehicle in park and check to make sure the fluid is full (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-often-do-i-need-to-replace-the-transmission-fluid) first. If it is full, then you may have a bad reverse control band or servo in the transmission, and it would need...
Doesn't shift park reverse
Hello there, thanks for writing in about your 2005 Mercedes CLK350. This is not an uncommon fault. The most likely cause would be the neutral safety switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/neutral-safety-switch-replacement), transmission linkage, transmission range switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-position-sensor-switch-replacement), or low transmission fluid level (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service)....
I have no ignition, or dash lights when turning key. All relays and battery are fine. Dash lights work when headlights are on.
You may have a bad connection in the connectors to the body control module, instrument cluster, and ECM. Try to disconnect the battery and disconnect these modules. Afterwards, apply dielectric lube to the connectors and reconnect the battery and see...
There appears to be a short causing the battery to drain while the engine is off
Hi there, thank you for asking a question about your 1993 GMC K2500 Suburban. The easiest way to find the source of battery drainage is by process of elimination. Get a hold of a volt/multi-meter. Start with a fully charged...
My minivan is overheating and there is brownish sludge in the coolant. I already got the water pump and the thermostat replaced.
A brownish sludge in the cooling system can occur for a few different reasons. If two types of coolant have been used in the cooling system, red and green for example, the mixing of these two types of coolant can...
My car hesitates and I have to press on gas hard for it to kind of smooth on out.
Typically, what you are describing is due to an engine management fault(s) and such faults occur in ignition system components, the fuel system, and/or the air induction system. A possible first approach is to just simply make sure that the...
Replacing timing chain 2004 Mazda 6
Hello - if the mechanic waited until the car was re-assembled after the water pump job to suggest timing chain repair, then "yes", s/he was not doing you any favor. Doing the timing chain repair separately is essentially repeating the...
01 Audi A6 2.7 have a crank but no start I checked my fuses and I have no power to either of my 2 ECU fuses or my Fuel Pump fuse
Hi there. It is highly probable that you have a faulty main relay or an exposed electrical connection or bad ground to the fuse panel that is causing this issue. However, it could also be problem with the ECU itself;...
I just put a new alternator and battery and it still comes on what to do please help
Hello, thank you for writing in. The first step is to make sure all battery cable and alternator connections, are clean, dry, and tight. The second test is to have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic codes, in case there is...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Honda Fit
The The 2012 Honda Fit is a fuel efficient car that has lots of head and legroom for drivers and passengers alike. In addition, its five door configuration holds large items like skis, bikes, and surfboards for those who love...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Dog Trainer
If If you are a dog trainer, you expect a lot from your vehicle. You want a ride that is safe, roomy, and of course, dog friendly, since your training operation will often mean that you need to transport the...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Arizona in 2012
Depending Depending on where you live in Arizona, the weather is either arid or there may be periods of heavy snow – such as in the mountain areas. The vehicles that have been popular in previous years for the area,...