Another fuel sensor problem

[manlystanley]

It seems like there is a big wave of fuel sensor problems ....... so I thought I’d join the fun.

On my 95 Grand Voyager it has developed a problem where the gas gauge is not accurate until it is driven for a few miles. So the problem is either heat related or a stuck float (i.e. fixed by movement). In the current and previous messages (on this board) all the comments indicate that the float is part of the fuel pump (which will set me back about $200). However, the messages that I read were for the newer style van—not the 95 and below.

I checked in my Haynes manual and it has nothing about where the fuel sensor is at. So my question is: for a 95, does anyone know if the float is part of the fuel pump? If it is, I’ll just live with it.

Best Regards,
Stan

[RIP]

Not exactly conclusive but, Autozone lists the sending unit, pump, and float seperately on the parts list on the right.

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d8010c7d2.jsp

[coalminer]

Originally Posted by manlystanley

It seems like there is a big wave of fuel sensor problems ....... so I thought I’d join the fun.

On my 95 Grand Voyager it has developed a problem where the gas gauge is not accurate until it is driven for a few miles. So the problem is either heat related or a stuck float (i.e. fixed by movement). In the current and previous messages (on this board) all the comments indicate that the float is part of the fuel pump (which will set me back about $200). However, the messages that I read were for the newer style van—not the 95 and below.

I checked in my Haynes manual and it has nothing about where the fuel sensor is at. So my question is: for a 95, does anyone know if the float is part of the fuel pump? If it is, I’ll just live with it.

Best Regards,
Stan

I just changed a fuel pump in my 95, and the float is part of that assembly. The gauge in mine was acting up before, but works perfectly now with the new one.

[manlystanley]

Thanks RIP. I clicked on the "Fuel Tank Sending Unit" and it took me to the Fuel pump assembly. So it does seem to be an integrated unit.

Best Regards,
Stan

[vipergg]

Might be something like this and could be cheaper than replacing the FSU.

New 'clean' gasolines can cause fuel gauge malfunction

The Problem:
Certain residual sulfur species found at very low levels in many of todays highly refined gasolines can form corrosive deposits on reactive silver-based fuel sending unit (FSU) components used in many makes of automobiles. The FSU, located inside the fuel tank, reads the fuel level and electronically sends a signal to the fuel gauge.

How sulfur corrosion can cause your vehicle's fuel gauge to malfunction (false reading).
This corrosive deposit can disrupt the electrical performance of the FSU and lead to either erratic operation or complete failure of the FSU, often resulting in artificially low or high (empty or full) fuel level readings on the fuel gauge seen by the driver. An erroneous high (or full) fuel gauge reading could lead to the motorist inadvertently running out of fuel and create a potentially dangerous situation.

The problem is best viewed in medical terms: acute and chronic in nature

Acute: problems occur when the occasional batch of off-specification, high sulfur refinery gasoline leads to extensive erratic FSU operation across a region. The problem can occur in a single tank of gas.
Examples: Louisiana, Florida, Memorial Day, 2004; Erie, PA, Louisville, KY, Canada

Chronic: problems occur after long-term exposure to low-grade sulfur contamination in a fuel, which frequently leads to premature erratic behavior of the FSU at some point.
Examples: New Mexico and Arizona, 2004 and 2005

Higher temperatures play a vital roll in how severely an FSU is damaged by a harmful sulfur-containing gasoline.

FSU failures typically require the complete replacement of the sending unit at considerable expense to either the vehicle manufacturer or the vehicle owner. This repair can cost from $400 to over $1000.

There is strong automaker awareness, as virtually all automakers have been impacted: recalls, warranty repairs, safety concerns and product reputation. Some automakers are beginning to phase out reactive silver-based FSU components at significant expense. However, reactive silver-based FSU components have been used since the late 80's, so a 15 year-plus vehicle population is still exposed.

The Solution:
TECHRON® Concentrate Plus is one of the most advanced fuel system cleaning technologies available in today's market, and many automakers prescribe it routinely as their solution to all fuel deposit-related driveability problems.

One treatment with TECHRON® Concentrate Plus can help:

* Clean corrosive sulfur deposits from fuel gauge sensors
* Restore operation of sulfur contaminated fuel gauge sensors
* Prevent harmful sulfur species from attacking sensitive electronic fuel sending units
* Protect the FSU against malfunction by coating all metal surfaces of the fuel system

To meet your specific needs, there are two sizes of TECHRON® Concentrate Plus:

[manlystanley]

vipergg,
Good advice. On my last tank of gas I put in the cheaper Prestone fuel injector cleaner. Next tank I'll try the who system cleaner.

Best Regards,
Stan