1999 Honda Accord EX-V6 - Screwy gas gauge?

[dougthegreat]

Has anyone else had a problem with the gas gauge on the 1999 Honda Accord EX-V6? I bought one a week ago, and filled it up today. It didn't go past the half-tank mark! I tried at another gas station, and the tank was definitely full. What are some things that could cause this? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks in advance!

(UPDATE)

After reading around the 'net and these forums, it's been suggested that either the 'fuel sender' or 'float' is probably worn/damaged. Is there any way that I can tell what the faulty part is, so I can just have the shop replace that instead of trying to screw me over?

[dougthegreat]

I guess nobody else has had these problems! Let me phrase this a little differently...

If I bought a fuel sender or a float off of a parts website, is it something I could replace with an afternoon and a Chilton manual, or is it a difficult fix?

[HONDA_99]

its common problem on earlier 6gen Av6 models, i had it replaced twice. once it was replaced under warranty by dealler and second time i did my self. you get it at place below, look for it under fuel tank section, item #16.


I’m not sure if any auto store repair manual will tell how to replace fuel level sending unit. But it’s not hard to do; you need to be careful since you’ll be dealing with gasoline and figure out how separate unit off fuel pump (it snaps on).

http://www.torringtonhondaparts.com/...catcgry=ACCORD
or
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/

[dougthegreat]

Wow, thanks for the links. So you had to have it done twice? I guess the distributor isn't the only weak point of the Gen6'ers.

You also mentioned that you did it yourself. I'm willing to bet that you're a much better mechanic than I am . I've done pretty rudimentary things like replacing the alternator and some belts and hoses, but nothing working with the gas tank/pump. The dealership wants to sock me $250 (parts n' labor) to have it done, is that a reasonable amount to expect this to cost?

Did you have any diagrams of your Honda when you tore into it, or did you just do it? The great site you recommended had a diagram of the fuel tank assembly, but not relative to the rest of the vehicle (i.e., what do I need to remove to get to the unit).

Thanks so much for the info so far!

[HONDA_99]

First of all is safety, so no smoking or any form of open flames during this project.

· Open gas tank to relieve pressure in gas tank, keep it open.
· Open trunk and remove trunk linens, once you do that you will see access hatch to fuel pump assembly.
· Get into back seat and flip open back of back seat, as you will see access hatch much closer to back seat so it more comfortable to this thing from back seat then fro trunk.
· Open access hatch.
· Disconnect wiring.
· Disconnect two fuel lines; there will be some fuel spillage.
· Remove all nuts holding fuel pump assembly to fuel tank; be careful with nuts they may fall between tank and car body and its pain of neck to get them out there.
· Remove fuel pump assembly from tank.
· Disconnect old fuel level sending unit from fuel pump.
· Connect new unit to fuel pump.

Now you can reinstall every thing back.

[HONDA_99]

BTW, i never heard any problems with distrubitors on 98/99 Accord V6.
heard (and had) some problems with other components on 6gen AV6, but never distrubitor.

[dougthegreat]

Wow, thanks so much! If this works out, you saved me more than $170 in labor fees!

I had a question about the location of the access hatch. Is it under the spare tire and everything, or is it under the carpet outside of the spare tire bin? I'm asking because I don't want to screw up my carpet too much and am hoping to just remove carpeting near the access hatch for the pump.

So what other problems have you had with yours, just curious?

[HONDA_99]

it under carpet, between spare tire and back seat. carpet is whole thing and its removable, its held by one or two clips near back seat.

as far of my problems, just look in my signature under Gear Box.

[dougthegreat]

Wow, you're amazing. I did a mock trial today to see if I could find everything, and I got to the point of taking all of the nuts out of the fuel pump assembly. Since I got that far, I'm going to put the part on order. Thanks a ton!

[jiwoo]

Originally Posted by HONDA_99

First of all is safety, so no smoking or any form of open flames during this project.

· Open gas tank to relieve pressure in gas tank, keep it open.
· Open trunk and remove trunk linens, once you do that you will see access hatch to fuel pump assembly.
· Get into back seat and flip open back of back seat, as you will see access hatch much closer to back seat so it more comfortable to this thing from back seat then fro trunk.
· Open access hatch.
· Disconnect wiring.
· Disconnect two fuel lines; there will be some fuel spillage.
· Remove all nuts holding fuel pump assembly to fuel tank; be careful with nuts they may fall between tank and car body and its pain of neck to get them out there.
· Remove fuel pump assembly from tank.
· Disconnect old fuel level sending unit from fuel pump.
· Connect new unit to fuel pump.

Now you can reinstall every thing back.

Dear Honda 99

I am new to this forum. I really enjoyed your detailed information above. My problem is a little different.
I believ the fuel gauge work right but the low fuel light doesn't go off even if i feel up the tank. This is not a serious problme but it's annoying. If it simply doesn't turn on, it's better. i can live without it. It doesn't go on or off, it's always on. So, it may not be alternator, right? Then, a possibility is a bad fuel sending unit? But the gauge is fine. so,????
I need your help. Since replacing it must be very costy and this is real minor trouble, i don't wanna spend such a big money.

I will truly appreicate any comment/suggestions.