What to do if the fuel float is stuck?
2 Answers
The solutions for a stuck fuel float: 1. Drive on a bumpy road, which will cause the fuel in the car to slosh around, and the stuck fuel float may become unstuck after the jostling; 2. Fill the fuel tank completely, as the rising fuel level can naturally free the stuck float, or add a fuel additive to the tank to dissolve any deposits. The car's fuel level sensor, also known as the fuel float, floats on the surface of the fuel layer. Using the lever principle, the other end of the float is connected to a potentiometer. The amount of fuel determines the height of the float, and the potentiometer changes its position according to the fuel level, which is then displayed on the dashboard.
I previously experienced the trouble of a stuck fuel gauge float, which caused incorrect fuel level readings and nearly left me stranded on the road several times due to running out of gas. I remember one instance when the gauge was stuck at half, but the tank was almost empty—I thought everything was fine and almost got stuck. I tried gently tapping the bottom of the fuel tank to free it, but it didn’t work. Later, at the repair shop, they found that dirt buildup had jammed the float arm. The mechanic cleaned it, but during testing, it got stuck again, so they had to replace the part. Now, I make sure to use high-quality gasoline and keep the tank clean to prevent issues. I also check the fuel system components during every oil change to avoid deposits. Such minor faults shouldn’t be ignored, as they can lead to dangerous misjudgments, like stalling on the highway. Small daily maintenance steps can save you from big headaches.
