One day, my car wouldn't start. When I turned the key, the car just cranked and cranked--and the fuel level meter dropped to empty. Tried turning it off and on, and cranking, no change--would just turn and stay at "E". I waited about half an hour, turned the key to the on position, and the level meter rose to about 1/4 tank (where it should have been). Tried to start the car, fired right up.

I did some tests, and it seemed as though the Fuel Pump Circuit Opening Relay had gone bad. I replaced it and the Fuel Pump Resistor relay. About a month (and not a lot of driving) later, while I was driving on about half a tank of gas, the car just died, and the gas gauge fell to empty. Waited about half an hour, drove to the gas station and filled up, and got home.

Later I drove my car 100 miles back to my parents' house. A few days ago I tried to start her, and no go. It seems kind of hit-or-miss.

To make things more confusing, even when I fill up to a full tank of gas, the level meter says that I have only about 3/4 of a tank. This never happened before these problems occurred--I could always get the meter above the full marker. Additionally, I seem to be getting better gas mileage, which to me indicates that I am running lean.

This, coupled with the level meter being off, suggests that I am not getting the right voltage to the pump. Could this be the case? My battery is fine and my alternator keeps a good voltage going.

What could it be?

Thanks,
Eric

 

TTT

 

It really sounds like the fuel pump plug is not fully connected.

 

Been there, done that.....