What's wrong with my fuel gauge?

I had the gas tank straps on my 1996 RMW replaced. When I got the car back, the repair guy said they'd had to replace a seal on the sending unit or fuel pump. I saw the photos of the gas stains and this shop has always been great in the past.

Anyway, when I got the car back, it wouldn't accelerate and I could hear the fuel pump whining as though it was working against a vacuum. Took the car back. Acceleration problem cured, no whine, needed a new fuel pump. Fuel gauge showed 3/8 full, quite a bit less than it should have, so I thought, "Rats. Someone likes the sound of the Flowmasters and has been driving the car." Filled up the tank. Oops--now the fuel gauge was pinned on Full and the Low Fuel warning light was on.

Drove the car for a week to use up most of the gas, then took it back again. Got it back--no charge, of course--with the fuel gauge apparently fixed and showing 3/8 full, and no Low Fuel warning light.

When I pulled into a parking slot later that day, the car stalled and wouldn't restart. Just as it died, the fuel gauge needle zoomed up to Full and pinned there for a second before returning to 3/8 full.

The car was out of gas--ran just fine after I added a gallon.

Can anyone out there tell me what's going on with the fuel gauge, or make a guess? I would very much appreciate it. Thanks.

I think the fuel gauge is OK, when removing the sending unit in the tank, something got bent. I know you have to be very careful when removing the sending unit or exactly what your experiencing happens.

Tom C.

or the float popped off. happened on one of mine

Wait, it gets worse, I think. The car drove home no problem after I added a gallon of gas. Jumped in it next day to go to gas station--wouldn't start. Brought another gallon from gas station--still no start. Called tow truck. Truck arrives, car starts and runs for...five seconds. Did I mention the fuel pump was replaced as part of the earlier schmozzle? Guess we better do it again.

Thanks for the advice so far. I'll be interested to see the float.

You could have some wiring issues, or the float arm clip may be broken, and the arm may not stay attached to the sender potentiometer.