The "Ask a Mechanic" Thread (merged)

[SpringfieldSkins]

Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction here or offer some possibilities. This just happened out of the blue today, twice, and I'm not sure what could cause it.

I was running low on gas this morning and stopped to fill my tank up on the way to work. After about 10 bucks worth the pump handle clicks off, like it thinks the tank is full...which I know it isn't. I was in a hurry and figured maybe the pump was just screwy after trying it a couple more times, so I let it be.

Tonight, on my way home I stopped again so I could actually fill the tank up (different station). The same thing happened after about 4 bucks worth. I started checking the opening to the tank after the nozzle would shut off, and it actually seemed like the tank WAS topping off or filling up, but then after a few seconds it would drain down in. I noticed that my fuel gauge is also sitting on empty even though there is no empty warning on the dash and I know i have about 15 bucks worth of gas in it.

Any ideas what the issue could be? I thought maybe the tank was backed up somehow or there was a valve in there that got out of whack, not allowing the gas to go in fast enough...but it just happened so suddenly and randomly. Any ideas would be appreciated. Would a complete fuel system cleaner help out possibly?

What kind of vehicle is it?

On many GM models, the electrical portion of the float in the fuel tank often goes bad causing that very type of symptom. The resolution? Replace the fuel sending unit (which includes a float, electrical components and a fuel pump) which can often times be very pricey.

[mistertim]

What kind of vehicle is it?

On many GM models, the electrical portion of the float in the fuel tank often goes bad causing that very type of symptom. The resolution? Replace the fuel sending unit (which includes a float, electrical components and a fuel pump) which can often times be very pricey.

Thanks, SpringfieldSkins. It is a 2005 Grand Cherokee. If the cause is the fuel sending unit, you have any guesses as to how much it might cost to get fixed? Is is usually necessary for everything to be replaced (float, electrical components, fuel pump)?

[SkinnedAussie]

Hang on, how can a faulty fuel sender unit cause the bowser handle to click off?

In fact, how can anything INSIDE the fuel tank cause the bowser handle to click off?

Just curious.

[SpringfieldSkins]

Hang on, how can a faulty fuel sender unit cause the bowser handle to click off?

In fact, how can anything INSIDE the fuel tank cause the bowser handle to click off?

Just curious.

If the fuel reads low but is actually full, or almost full.

[JustAfan47]

Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction here or offer some possibilities. This just happened out of the blue today, twice, and I'm not sure what could cause it.

I was running low on gas this morning and stopped to fill my tank up on the way to work. After about 10 bucks worth the pump handle clicks off, like it thinks the tank is full...which I know it isn't. I was in a hurry and figured maybe the pump was just screwy after trying it a couple more times, so I let it be.

Tonight, on my way home I stopped again so I could actually fill the tank up (different station). The same thing happened after about 4 bucks worth. I started checking the opening to the tank after the nozzle would shut off, and it actually seemed like the tank WAS topping off or filling up, but then after a few seconds it would drain down in. I noticed that my fuel gauge is also sitting on empty even though there is no empty warning on the dash and I know i have about 15 bucks worth of gas in it.

Any ideas what the issue could be? I thought maybe the tank was backed up somehow or there was a valve in there that got out of whack, not allowing the gas to go in fast enough...but it just happened so suddenly and randomly. Any ideas would be appreciated. Would a complete fuel system cleaner help out possibly?

Do you know at all if it's low or full? After you filled with 10 dollars did the fuel gauge move at all?

[twa]

JustAfan47
Could just be a sensitive vapor recovery unit on the gas station pump
(I assume ya'll have those)
Mine always kicks out early if I have a low tank unless I turn it upside down

[Yohan]

I have a weird one that happened today. I have a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country. Today, I turned the right turn signal on and the left blinker came on the dash, and the left side lights came on as well. When I turn the left turn signal on, the left blinker and lights come on as normal. I tried the hazard signal and all lights came on as normal. So all the bulbs seem to work okay. Any help would be appreciated.

[twa]

Sounds like a right side bulb is shorting/backfeeding

[skinfan2k]

my car lately seems like it is revving up when i am braking.. as i come to a stop or hitting the break, the rpm gauge goes up and then down.. and it seems like it takes way longer to pick up acceleration. any ideas? this car only has 7k miles on it... its a is250

[twa]

my car lately seems like it is revving up when i am braking.. as i come to a stop or hitting the break, the rpm gauge goes up and then down.. and it seems like it takes way longer to pick up acceleration. any ideas? this car only has 7k miles on it... its a is250

Vacuum problem maybe?

Sounds like a warranty repair and there have been numerous complaints related to the brake override system

[skinfan2k]

Vacuum problem maybe?

Sounds like a warranty repair and there have been numerous complaints related to the brake override system

ok im gonna go the dealer and ask what is going on.. its been literally 13 months since i bought this car

[SpringfieldSkins]

Vacuum problem maybe?

Sounds like a warranty repair and there have been numerous complaints related to the brake override system

Agree 100% twa. Take it to the dealer, should be free.

[skinfan2k]

Its fine, I went to the dealer thanks guys! Next task I want to get some tinting done to my car. Any recommendations in PG county or anywhere nearby?

[kubstix]

Could a completely seized wheel bearing blow out the differential in a FWD Automatic Transmission? I grenaded the differential on my transmission about 4 months ago and we rebuilt the transmission but are unable to test it yet. Reverse is fine, the car moves forward on it's own when put in drive but doesn't want to move pressing the gas. It almost feels like the emergency brake is on and it's making scratching noises. The car does go forward but if this is the reason the first transmission blew, we don't want to test until new wheel bearings get here. The seals on both of them are completely gone and even with the axels pulled you cannot turn the tires by hand. Thank You.

[Mickalino]

Does running the AC in a car use more gas ?