What are the symptoms of a fuel sensor failure?
2 Answers
Fuel sensor failure can cause sudden drops in the fuel gauge to zero or unexpected rises in the fuel gauge reading. Symptom of sudden drop to zero: Often, before driving, the fuel gauge shows two squares, but after traveling a certain distance, the gauge suddenly drops to zero. Symptom of rising fuel gauge reading: The fuel gauge needle remains at a certain position for a long time, and sometimes even after traveling a certain distance, the reading increases instead of decreasing. The fuel level sensor detects the position (height) of fuel in the container by measuring the change in capacitance between the sensor shell and sensing electrode when fuel enters, converting this change into a current variation.
Last year, while driving to the countryside for a trip, my fuel gauge suddenly became inaccurate. It showed half a tank, but the car stalled after less than 100 kilometers, almost leaving me stranded in the middle of nowhere. This is a classic symptom of a faulty fuel sensor. It can cause the fuel gauge to fluctuate wildly or get stuck, rendering the displayed information completely unreliable. Additionally, the engine warning light on the dashboard may illuminate because the sensor sends incorrect signals to the car's computer, leading to delayed starts or even stalling mid-drive. Neglecting this issue can easily lead to misjudging fuel levels, resulting in unnecessary waiting and danger. After that experience, I learned a trick: regularly check the accuracy of the fuel gauge. If something feels off—like erratic needle movements—immediately visit a repair shop for inspection. After all, fixing minor issues early prevents roadside emergencies. Safety first.
