Fuel level reading problem, MY02 Impreza

[Larry Van Wormer]

Just lately, the fuel level reading has stopped working accurately in my
Impreza. Seems to work fine from full down to about 1/3 level, but then
the gauge stops moving. The needle never goes below 1/3.

A check of the service information seems to indicate that this is likely
a sticking float, AND that the float is integrated with the fuel pump.
Seems likely to be expensive, if I have to replace that unit.

A Subaru pump seems to list for about $400 US. I've seen it as cheap as
about $270. Other makes of replacement pumps, which seem to be
equivalent, are available for as little as $90.

I have done a google search, but didn't really find anything to answer
these questions:

- is there another likely cause that I can check out?

- is it possible to repair the float, unstick it in some fashion?

- do the cheaper aftermarket replacement pumps work okay?

Hoping someone has experience in this area. Thanks for any feedback.

Larry Van Wormer

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Just lately, the fuel level reading has stopped working accurately in my
Impreza. Seems to work fine from full down to about 1/3 level, but then
the gauge stops moving. The needle never goes below 1/3.

A check of the service information seems to indicate that this is likely
a sticking float, AND that the float is integrated with the fuel pump.
Seems likely to be expensive, if I have to replace that unit.

A Subaru pump seems to list for about $400 US. I've seen it as cheap as
about $270. Other makes of replacement pumps, which seem to be
equivalent, are available for as little as $90.

I have done a google search, but didn't really find anything to answer
these questions:

- is there another likely cause that I can check out?

- is it possible to repair the float, unstick it in some fashion?

- do the cheaper aftermarket replacement pumps work okay?

Hoping someone has experience in this area. Thanks for any feedback.

Larry Van Wormer

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Please do a search at and/or post this at www.usmb.net . I know I have
read of folks repairing/replacing the fule sending units on soobs older
than yours. maybe yours has some similar problem and, maybe, the
construction is similar. IIRC there are actually 2 units in soobs and
the output is 'anded' together.

carl

 

[Edward Hayes]

I seem to remember another question concerning the fuel level & a
possible solution on a Subaru NG. Go to www. nasioc.com and do a
search. At several $100s to replace I would live with it for a long
long time.

 

[Larry Van Wormer]

I seem to remember another question concerning the fuel level & a
possible solution on a Subaru NG. Go to www. nasioc.com and do a
search. At several $100s to replace I would live with it for a long
long time.

Agreed. I thought $90 might be okay, though, IF that cheap replacement
unit was decently reliable.

(An ongoing nuisance with my internet provider) Carl's response did not
appear on my computer. Glad you included it.

Larry Van Wormer

 

[jerryeveretts]

This is actually a pretty easy fix, I have had this happed on several
different cars. You will need to remove the fuel pump. You will see the
mechanism for the float assembly, there are some brass/copper colored
contacts, some times the linkage gets loose and the contacts don't make
good contact, sometimes they get dirty with a type of varnish on them,
this varnish can also make the linkage sticky, you can use brake
cleaner to clean it all up really good, work the linkage/float up and
down until it moves freely. This should fix it.
You can also test it while it is out of the car, leave the fuel lines
disconnected, but plug the wiring harness in, turn the key on, but dont
turn the engine over, move the lever up and down, and make sure you get
full range from the fuel needle, this can take awhile as the computer
"averages" the input so that the guage moves very slowely, this is so
you don't get fluctuations form the gas sloshing around.
Also check for wiring damage near the pump, a variance in resistance
(mild short), caused by damage to the wiring can also cause this type
of problem.

Hope that helps
Jerry

 

[Larry Van Wormer]

This is actually a pretty easy fix, I have had this happed on several
different cars. You will need to remove the fuel pump. You will see the
mechanism for the float assembly, there are some brass/copper colored
contacts, some times the linkage gets loose and the contacts don't make
good contact, sometimes they get dirty with a type of varnish on them,
this varnish can also make the linkage sticky, you can use brake
cleaner to clean it all up really good, work the linkage/float up and
down until it moves freely. This should fix it.
You can also test it while it is out of the car, leave the fuel lines
disconnected, but plug the wiring harness in, turn the key on, but dont
turn the engine over, move the lever up and down, and make sure you get
full range from the fuel needle, this can take awhile as the computer
"averages" the input so that the guage moves very slowely, this is so
you don't get fluctuations form the gas sloshing around.
Also check for wiring damage near the pump, a variance in resistance
(mild short), caused by damage to the wiring can also cause this type
of problem.

That does help, thanks! I think I will try to simply fix the unit,
rather than buy a cheap one.

Larry Van Wormer

 

[synthius2002]

I just bought a 97 legacy outback. I've filled the tank a couple of
times;
10 gallons each time.

The manual says the tank is 15 gallons, but the guage was at 7/8 when
I put 10 gallons into it. Am I supposed to feel comfortable driving
another
50+ miles with the needle all the way at the bottom? It would be nice
to
think I only have to fill once per week. but I ain't carrying a gallon
in the
back seat for when the tank runs dry.

Nils

 

[Edward Hayes]

Sounds about right. There is I think 2.5 gallons in reserve AFTER the
low fuel warning light comes on.

 

[Jim]

My 97's gauge performance has deteriorated over time. When it gets to
E it usually has about 5 gallons left. Have only seen the warning
light twice in 9 1/2 years. i assume it works.

Once it dropped well below E on a 90 mile trip, then later rose to a
little above E Wierd. I was all on level ground. Sounds like your
problem is at the opposite end of the meter.