Engine light on after complete fill-up

[fourpointzero]

Dearest forum friends,

this evening, I filled up @ the gas station. 15 gallons to full in a 19 gallon tank. When I started the engine, I watched my fuel gauge go up and immediately slowly drop all the way dead to E, illuminating the light. It stayed that way my entire 2 mile trip home. Didn’t bother to restart the engine, as I was in a rush to get on w my evening.

Question is, could it be time to drop my tank? I’ve got an 01 Sport with 180ish K miles.

Thanks fam!


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[Chris]

Hard to say, first you need to pull the code it’s throwing and tell us what it is. However, It sure sounds like you may need to drop the tank.

 

[fourpointzero]

There’s no CEL. Just the empty light lit. I’ll run the ignition 3x’s and see if any codes pop. But I’ve been mentally preparing myself to install a new fuel pump for almost 3 months or more now. I even have the OEM pump saved in my Amazon ‘to buy’ list. But if I can get away with NOT dropping it for a while, I’d be happier.


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[Kevin E]

M

There’s no CEL. Just the empty light lit. I’ll run the ignition 3x’s and see if any codes pop. But I’ve been mentally preparing myself to install a new fuel pump for almost 3 months or more now. I even have the OEM pump saved in my Amazon ‘to buy’ list. But if I can get away with NOT dropping it for a while, I’d be happier.


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My 98 Sport did the same thing. Replaced the fuel pump and problem solved. It was intermittent having the light come on but didn't trust it any longer. Good luck

 

[Squatch]

My 98 Sport did the same thing. Replaced the fuel pump and problem solved. It was intermittent having the light come on but didn't trust it any longer. Good luck

The fuel gauge fluctuation and/or failure was the result of a bad fuel pump? Or are you saying that in the process of dropping the tank to replace the fuel pump, removing and reconnecting your electrical connections took care of the problem by creating an improved connection at the sending unit? Or am I misunderstanding this altogether?

 

[EJD]

I even have the OEM pump saved in my Amazon ‘to buy’ list. But if I can get away with NOT dropping it for a while, I’d be happier.


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Dropping the tank isn't too bad of a job. I replaced my fuel pump at 150k and its been much happier since. The whole job was probably a couple hours...and thats if your a first timer.

 

[Kevin E]

The fuel gauge fluctuation and/or failure was the result of a bad fuel pump? Or are you saying that in the process of dropping the tank to replace the fuel pump, removing and reconnecting your electrical connections took care of the problem by creating an improved connection at the sending unit?

Yes to the bad fuel pump.
That also allowed me to fill my tank all the way. I could never put more than 12 gallons in before. First fill up afterward was over 15 gallons

 

[Squatch]

That also allowed me to fill my tank all the way. I could never put more than 12 gallons in before. First fill up afterward was over 15 gallons

Why is that? Sorry that my posts are nothing but questions, here, but I have to admit I'm reading some stuff that I'm just not understanding how it could be. Any enlightenment would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Kevin E]

T

Why is that? Sorry that my posts are nothing but questions, here, but I have to admit I'm reading some stuff that I'm just not understanding how it could be. Any enlightenment would be greatly appreciated!

The float and sending unit that operates the gauge and pump are all one piece in the tank.

 

[Squatch]

T

The float and sending unit that operates the gauge and pump are all one piece in the tank.

Okay...it just registered! I was halfway through another "Still not getting it" post when the words "operates the gauge and pump" slapped me up side the head. Am I to understand, then, that with EFI, the fuel pump is directly affected by the float/float level? I'm only familiar with carbureted set-ups (which obviously isn't a TJ thing), hence my confusion...

 

[fourpointzero]

My fill-ups, at best, are at 15 gallons but my tank is actually 19 gallons. I do wish the indicator wouldn’t go off so soon. There’s been plenty of times that i’ve only been able to ‘fill-up’ with 12 gallons. That darn indicator goes off too soon. There’s numerous threads going around about why that is and how it’s ‘fixable’.

Btw, I’ll be checking to see if my fuel indicator works today. If not, I wouldn’t be a surprise. Ive had to change just about every little maintenance item since ownership. Will report back.


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[CodaMan]

I just replaced my fuel pump on Monday. It wasn't a bad job other than I had to cut 1 nut off. If you break any of the line clips you can get a pack of 6 clips, 3 of each size (Dorman 800-023) at any auto parts store except Napa. For some reason they don't sell the 2 size clip package. Don't worry that the package says Ford/GM, they are the correct clips.

The pump removal is fresh in my head if you have any questions.

 

[Kevin E]

I just replaced my fuel pump on Monday. It wasn't a bad job other than I had to cut 1 nut off. If you break any of the line clips you can get a pack of 6 clips (Dorman 800-023), 3 of each size at any auto parts store except Napa. For some reason they don't sell the 2 size clip package. Don't worry that the package says Ford/GM, they are the correct clips.

The pump removal is fresh in my head if you have any questions.

I'm hoping that nut was off your Jeep!

 

[fourpointzero]

The pump removal is fresh in my head if you have any questions.

Thank you, CodaMan, for that awesome tidbit of info on the clips and offer to help if needed!


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[CodaMan]

I'm hoping that nut was off your Jeep!

:risas3:

 

[Rob5589]

I dropped my tank to take care of the splash back issue. It seemed like it would be a lot worse than it actually was. Pick up some clips before you get started, you will end up breaking at least one. The Bosch fuel pump is a good one to get.

 

[fourpointzero]

Finally used the Jeep this am. It’s a nice day here in Jersey. Started right up, and the full indicator marked ‘Full’ so it’s working again. For now.


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