I dont want to end up stranded for not having gas, but I can't rely on my fuel gauge. To a certain extent I know the van has gas in it because I just put some in, but I just didnt fill it up with gas prices being what they are. The needle will rise up to about a fourth of a tank, then drops to below the E line. Is this something fixable and how expensive would it be on a 97 caravan?
2007-03-27 11:15:30 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It can be repaired, but you won't like how.
You will need to replace the fuel tank sender. Simple, but the fuel tank must come out of the van.
The sender assembly isn't cheap either.
And while you are there, save a bit of labor, and replace the fuel pump as well. It is in the tank also, and is prone to failure.
OR— Fill the van up once, then every couple of days, fill it up again. Don't allow it to get all that low, then it won't take that much to fill it up.
Then, if you make it a point to fill it up every 200 or so miles, you will even know how much mileage you are getting.
2007-03-27 11:27:54 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is probably not an expensive part, but labor intensive. What you need is a sending unit for your fuel gage. It is locates in your fuel tank, and it must be removed to replace it. I would fill it up, and watch the mileage, and don't go over 300 miles or so without refilling. I would have it fixed only when the fuel pump goes out, or something else that requires removing the fuel tank...
2007-03-27 11:27:05 · answer #2 · answered by Ben H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It *can* be fixed... and even 'fixed' it will still be highly variable. Constantly running a vehicle low on fuel is not the best thing for the car, either.
The fuel sender can be an expensive fix, and the cluster gauge (in the dash) IS an expensive fix. Be wary of people that tell you to carry a spare fuel in the vehicle in a gas can.
So what to do? Your odometer should still work. Use a couple of fill ups to calculate your actual mileage, and grab a notebook to track your fuel load. A pain in the fanny, but cheaper than the repair and safer than carrying a bomb in your van.
2007-03-27 11:24:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is more than likely your sending unit(fuel leveler). If you havnt replaced your fuel pump then you may want to do that too.
$105 FOR LEVELER
$439 FOR PUMP
$300-500 Labor
2007-03-27 11:24:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
more then likely the fuel level sending unit in the fiel tank has a worn spot in it. Yes it can be fixed. For some unknown reason Dodge vehicles are bad for this happening.
2007-03-27 11:31:29 · answer #5 · answered by Oh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely a failing fuel sending unit. Check with your dealer, but I'm sure you could buy one at Autozone or another parts store and have a backyard mechanic do it for a lot cheaper.
2007-03-27 11:25:21 · answer #6 · answered by Rob S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like the sending unit in the tank.the only way i know how to fix it,is with a new 1.
2007-03-27 11:28:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is fixable, but probably run alot, the problem most likely is the floater inside the tank is malfunctioning, it often goes bad...good luck
2007-03-27 11:24:04 · answer #8 · answered by Jason N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋