GM Forum - Buick, Cadillac, Olds, GMC & Pontiac chat

GM Forum - Buick, Cadillac, Olds, GMC & Pontiac chat (https://www.gmforum.com/)
-   1992-1999 (https://www.gmforum.com/1992-1999-91/)
-   -   Sometimes won't start if under 1/4 tank? (https://www.gmforum.com/1992-1999-91/sometimes-wont-start-if-under-1-4-tank-279893/)

zecc81 Mar 10, 2009 10:58 PM

Sometimes won't start if under 1/4 tank?
 
One morning I tried to start it up and it wouldn't turn over for 4 or 5 times. The engine was cranking, I assumed there was no gas input. I read the fuel gauge (which has been all over the place lately) and it said empty. So I was like, great, no gas.... Then I tried again and it started up. As I drove away the gas gauge rose to a 1/4 tank and remained there. I heard these older bonns have bad fuel suction under a 1/4 tank, is this what I was experiencing? I have a 92 SSEi

Danthurs Mar 10, 2009 11:06 PM

I believe the older tanks had baffles in them. That could be what's causing this. Do you park the car on a level area, or is it leaning one way or the other?

zecc81 Mar 10, 2009 11:36 PM

This particular morning the car was parked leaning to the left.... as in the driver seat was lower than the passenger seat (for example).

Toddster Mar 11, 2009 07:34 AM

If the fuel pump is original its probably getting week.
Have you ever had your fuel pressure tested?

Theres hope. We will help

hammer49 Mar 11, 2009 04:03 PM

It's an in-tank fuel pump so don't mess around with trying to crank it too many times. Not a cheap repair.

zecc81 Mar 11, 2009 07:05 PM

I've had the car for about a year so I'm still learning all the anomalies, so no I've never had the fuel pump checked. It's been fine ever since and I haven't put anymore gas in it so I'm thinking it was just some random event (it was also quite cold that morning).

teachutofly Apr 9, 2009 02:22 AM

OK I had a very similar problem. Mine would just quit for no apparent reason, and then after 20 min or so it would start ok.

After a very long and difficult diagnostic period, including replacing the fuel pump 3x, we finally found the following: intermittent open in the wiring at the connector on the fuel sender assembly, which includes the wiring for the fuel pump. That your fuel guage is 'all over the place' may mean you have a similar problem (the wires for the pump and fuel guage all come through the same connector.)

The bad news: no way to replace the connector separately, and GM wants $460 for a new fuel sender assy--and that is without the fuel pump.

I found that the aftermarket now makes the assembly for about $80. I have one on order, supposed to be here monday, then we will see.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:49 AM.


© 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands