'93 240 - fuel gauge working on and off

Discussion in 'Volvo 240' started by Someone, Dec 4, 2008.

  1. Someone

    Someone Guest

    I can start the car and the fuel gauge is working, then it stops
    working for the rest of the trip. Or I can start the car, fuel gauge
    not working, then it comes back for a few minutes, then go back to not
    working.

    All other instruments in panel are working.

    Any suggestion?

    Thanks.
     
    Someone, Dec 4, 2008
    #1
  2. Someone

    James Sweet Guest


    Is there any particular amount of fuel that causes this, for example a
    dead spot in the sender? You might also check the wiring to the bung
    plug on the tank, there's a connector there.
     
    James Sweet, Dec 4, 2008
    #2
  3. Someone

    Someone Guest

    Nop, happens all the time, irrespective of the amount of fuel. This
    morning I drove to work, wasn't working when I started the car, Worked
    for less than a minute midway. That's it. Out of 45 minutes driving,
    it worked for about 30 seconds.

    Thanks for any help/suggestion you can provide.
     
    Someone, Dec 5, 2008
    #3
  4. Someone

    matt.kraus Guest

    The fuel send unit / fuel level float in the gas tank may be corroded
    and deteriorating.

    It has been a while, but I once owned an '85 240 wagon that had
    similar symptoms. As I recall we had to pull up a floor panel in the
    rear compartment to access the fuel tank. The fuel send unit is
    basically the port where the gas exits the tank, and there is an
    internal float mechanism that indicates your fuel level to the gas
    gauge. It sits on top of the fuel tank; it is a circular disc that
    locks in place with a half-turn, so you have to turn it back to unlock
    and remove the unit.

    My buddy who is an experienced Volvo mechanic did the repair in my
    driveway. The part was pretty stuck, so he had to beat it loose with
    a large screwdriver and hammer - a delicate operation! Careful to
    avoid getting rust/debris in the gas tank! Also no smoking! Anyway,
    once he installed the shiny new send unit the gas gauge worked like a
    champ.

    I recommend leaving this operation to an experienced mechanic, due to
    the fact that you're dealing with gasoline, fuel tank & lines.
     
    matt.kraus, Dec 8, 2008
    #4
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