alanab 0 #1 November 4, 2008 so i was on half a tank today and saw cheap gas, so i decided to fill up the rest of the way. as the gas was pumping i got back in my car and turned the key half way so i could listen to my music. well, once the tank was full, i made sure it was full (like i always do), by pumping the last few cents into the tank. anyways, so i get back in my car and drove away and the gas gauge stayed at 3/4 tank, where it had moved to when i turned my key to listen to music. it is not reading a full tank, but i am sure it's full. what the hell? any ideas? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simplyputsi 0 #2 November 4, 2008 You don't by chance have a Ford escort do you? Either way, just give it a few starts and stops and it should go to full. Starts and stops meaning turn the engine off and start it again.Skymama's #2 stalker - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nutz 0 #3 November 4, 2008 A gas gauge is a mechanical / electrical device. It may not funtion properly, you should not be so device dependant. Seriously, the trip meter / odometer is much more accurate. "Don't! Get! Eliminated!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alanab 0 #4 November 4, 2008 nope, 2001 honda civic. this is the first time i've had a problem with it. i thought it might have something to do with turning the key while i was pumping. i also pulled over 2 times to stop/start as well as driving around more before i went to work and it stayed the same. i'm not device dependent, i'm just wondering wtf happened. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #5 November 4, 2008 Sticking sender, by the sounds of it. Often, the gauge is a mechanical float and they can get stuck. Check to see if it goes down after you drive around a bit. (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewGuy2005 53 #6 November 4, 2008 Don't fill your tank so full. Stop the first time the pump kicks off. Overfilling can cause gasoline to overflow into the evaporative emission system. However, that would not cause the gas gauge to stick. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shawndiver 0 #7 November 4, 2008 I'd say jump it a couple of times "Streets of San Francisco" style and see if it unsticks the float. _________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Redline165 0 #8 November 4, 2008 Ill post back with more info on it later, but a few of the civics have sending units that stick. basically there is a potentiometer in the sending unit (at the fuel tank) and for some reason it wont read above 3/4 of a tank (which i think is about 3.5 volts to the gauge) Personally i wouldnt worry about it, keep track of how much gas is in the car, and assuming it works properly (most do) below 3/4 a tank, id just run with it. another thing as said before, dont fill your tank up so full, just let it click and then hang it up. common problem. i cant tell you how many evap leaks i've chased because of people filling there cars up until its pouring out. get the canister apart and find a gallon of 93. let me know if you have any more questions, im fairly familiar with honda/acura products :D also i can try to find a price for ya if need be. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeNReN 0 #9 November 4, 2008 Whlie it is almost impossible to diagnose this concern over the internet.... The EVAP system allows air to vent through a charcol canister to let fuel be put in the tank and to keep the tank from collasping as fuel is being drawn from it....the onboard diagnostic system closes this vent under certain opperating conditions to test the EVAP system for leaks.... By having the key on the system may have gone into test mode and shut the vent soleniod not allowing you to fill the tank the rest of the way... Did the check engine light come on?? I would try and fill the tank again...this time leave the key off as you are supposed too if the tank is indeed full then there may be a problem with the sending unit,guage etc etc... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stitch 0 #10 November 4, 2008 Mr.Goodwrench. "No cookies for you"- GFD "I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65 Don't be a "Racer Hater" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHusband 0 #11 November 4, 2008 i have an f-150, and if i turn the key on to listen to the radio while pumping, the same thing happens. its always fixed by the next i get in the truck "Your scrotum is quite nice" - Skymama www.kjandmegan.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nutz 0 #12 November 4, 2008 I hate people that listen to the radio while they are pumping gas. It is ALWAYS crap that they are listening to. I don't want to listen to your crap, turn the damn thing off to pump gas. "Don't! Get! Eliminated!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simplyputsi 0 #13 November 4, 2008 I make sure my radio is loud enough so that I can hear it while I pump gas. Feel free to tell me to turn it down if you ever see me. Skymama's #2 stalker - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chaoskitty 0 #14 November 4, 2008 He'd be blowing his cigarette smoke in your face while telling you that your radio bothers him. I guess we all have our annoying habits huh? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billeisele 130 #15 November 5, 2008 your gauge (assuming that it is really incorrect) is like my altimeter, at 12K it is off by 500' and at 20K it is off by +/- 1,000 ft not a problem as long as it is a accurate near the bottom - dead on at 6K same for a gas guage, no problem if it is accurate near the bottomGive one city to the thugs so they can all live together. I vote for Chicago where they have strict gun laws. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #16 November 5, 2008 Quote I'd say jump it a couple of times "Streets of San Francisco" style and see if it unsticks the float. She's way too young to remmebr that showYou are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites