99 Intrepid Fuel Gauge Woes

[Arthur Alspector]

I have a 99 Intrepid ES with 47,000 miles on it. Recently, I've noticed the
fuel gauge needle acting erratically after I've fueled the car. It hovers
for a while and slowly moves up to 'full'. Tonight, while the car was in
motion, the needle fell to the 'E', the alarm sounded and then the needle
rebounded to the proper fuel level. It did this repeatedly while I was
driving. I checked the overhead info fuel display and it didn't vary. I was
wondering if the fuel gauge and the overhead display are connected to the
same sensor.

Has anyone else had a similar problem or can give me any tips before I head
in to see the sabre-toothed service advisor at my 5 star dealership? These
things make me nervous and I like to know what I'm in for before I sign for
repairs.

Many Thanks in Advance

 

[Chris Mauritz]

I have a 99 Intrepid ES with 47,000 miles on it. Recently, I've noticed the
fuel gauge needle acting erratically after I've fueled the car. It hovers
for a while and slowly moves up to 'full'. Tonight, while the car was in
motion, the needle fell to the 'E', the alarm sounded and then the needle
rebounded to the proper fuel level. It did this repeatedly while I was
driving. I checked the overhead info fuel display and it didn't vary. I was
wondering if the fuel gauge and the overhead display are connected to the
same sensor.

Has anyone else had a similar problem or can give me any tips before I head
in to see the sabre-toothed service advisor at my 5 star dealership? These
things make me nervous and I like to know what I'm in for before I sign for
repairs.

Many Thanks in Advance

Sounds like a bad sender. Unfortunately, you need to drop the tank to
change it. Change the fuel pump and filter while you're at it (also
inside the tank).

cheers,

C

 

[Geoff]

Has anyone else had a similar problem or can give me any tips before I head
in to see the sabre-toothed service advisor at my 5 star dealership? These
things make me nervous and I like to know what I'm in for before I sign for
repairs.

He's sabre-toothed? Take it as an omen. If it's out of warranty, find a
good independent shop, you'll probably save a bundle.

--Geoff

 

[Bob Hatcher]

There is a computer or sensor for just about everything in that car. If the
car sems to be driving okay then the power regulator or a bad connection or
the fuel level sensor.