fuel guage acting wacky

[bobbyspider]

anyone know how to fix a fuel guage. its fine when I fill it up then when it gets to about half of a tank it just goes to empty I guess its the unit on the tank anyone know how to fix it and how much it will cost and how.

-thanks

[batstiva]

It's the sending unit, which is in the tank There is access under the back seat. Replacing it is a piece of cake, finding the replacement might be the tricky part. Mine did the same exact thing, and swapping the sending unit fixed it.

Oh, finally read the rest of your post. My only experience is with a carbed Festy, so not sure if the FI's are different, but I don't think so. The part is different, but not sure about the procedure. Basically, you fold the back seat forward, remove a panel under it(4 screws) that is for access to the gas tank. Then you remove, IIRC 8 small screws, disconnect the electrical connection, one fuel line connection, and pull it up and out. Again, finding a good one might be the bigger problem. Mine came with a replacement gas tank from an 89. Post in the FS/wanted section, check junkyards around you. Don't go to the dealer unless you absolutely have to, and then take a full jar of vasoline with you.

How is York these days? I have cousins who live in Red Lion. Actually saw a few Festies running around the last time I was there.

[neanderpaul]

flip the seat forward, pop the carpet loose, 4 Phillips bolts to remove the cover, 8 or 10 Phillips bolts to remove the tank opening. remove a fuel line, unplug the electrical plug. Remove the fuel pump/sending unit assembly, remove the float sensor and replace it.

[MONSOON]

Please disconnect your battery as well. No sense in taking any risks.

[neanderpaul]

ops: yep

[bravekozak]

screws first

Good luck getting the screws out. Make sure you don't snap any the heads off.

I think that they are M4 X 8MM ISO PITCH 0.7

Can anyone confirm this?
If so, I have found the perfect replacement for them on the bay.
Item # 220102117690
I just bought a pack of them tonight.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220102117690&ru=http://search.ebay.com:80/220102117690_W0QQ_trksidZp2127Q2em37Q2el1313QQfromZR40QQfviZ1

[batstiva]

Please disconnect your battery as well. No sense in taking any risks.

Don't think I did that, but probably should have.

Pretty sure mine were Philips Screws, IIRC

[FB71]

with the key off, there is no voltage on any wire at the pump or sending unit.

[sanjeet]

Its a sliding resistor that connects to ground, only so it will have only one wire, make sure you replace the gasket as well to be on the safe side, and monsoon is right and don't take any risks, its an unusual fault so I suggest you try the wreckers to save some $$

[Ogrekhan]

Hmmm,

If this is a rare fault I got hosed lol. Both of my festys have this prob so I just assumed it was common. Great info on the access panel though .. further proof of festivas superiority. Thanks for the info I think I'll fix mine since its such easy access.

[bravekozak]

same problem

My festiva had the same problem. Because its so common, I have a spare, just in case it ever happens again.
The wires fray on the resistor, from all the rubbing. Even though the tank is baffled inside, there must be a significant up and down motion of the gas in the center section, where the mechanical sender, float and fuel pickup are. I have pulled others at the junk yard that exhibit similar fraying.

Put the Phillips screwdriver in each screw head and give it a sharp tap with a hammer. Then apply a slight tightening pressure, before unscrewing.

Good Luck.

[neanderpaul]

Hmmm,

If this is a rare fault I got hosed lol. Both of my festys have this prob so I just assumed it was common. Great info on the access panel though .. further proof of festivas superiority. Thanks for the info I think I'll fix mine since its such easy access.

It's extremely common. I agree that the easy access is just another superior aspect to the festy. On a lot of vehicles you have to drop the tank to get to the float sensor.

[Ogrekhan]

On that note... anyone know of a non dealer source for the sending unit? I'm striking out at all my local parts spots.

[neanderpaul]

junkyards, ebay, or here. I don't know of any source for new.

[Ogrekhan]

I was afraid of that lol, well thanks for saving me more looking around I'm off to work I guess Its JY time tomorrow hehe .