Many car owners have no idea that their car might not start if the fuel level sensor is bad. If you’re one of those people, read on to learn how to test your fuel level sensor and find out whether or not it’s a problem.
What is a fuel level sensor and what does it do?
A fuel level sensor is a device that monitors the fuel level in a tank. When the fuel level falls below a preset level, the sensor will activate the car’s warning system.
How to test a fuel level sensor.
If your car stalls because of a low fuel level, there’s a good chance that the sensor is causing the problem. Here’re three ways to test the sensor:
1. Remove the fuel tank and check the level of fuel in the tank. If the level is low, it’s likely that the sensor is malfunctioning.
2. Reach down into the gas tank and feel for a small wire sticking out of it. If you find the wire, take a picture of it so you can reference it later. If there isn’t a wire, then the sensor is probably located on or near the fuel pump.
3. Drive your car until it stalls, then try to restart it while keeping an eye on the fuel gauge. If your car starts up soon after stalling, then the sensor is likely defective and needs to be replaced.
How to replace a fuel level sensor.
If your car stalls when you try to start it with a low fuel level, you likely have a bad fuel level sensor. This is a relatively easy repair, and you can usually do it yourself.
What to do if your car stalls when the fuel level sensor is bad.
If your car stalls when the fuel level sensor is bad, there are a few things that you can do to get it running again. First, check to make sure that the sensor is actually bad. If it’s just dirty or worn out, you may be able to clean it and get the car running again. If that isn’t the case, you may need to replace the sensor.