Help! Fuel gauge reading empty!

[daveyfx]

Hi all,

I purchased a brand new fuel filter from my local Discount Auto parts with the intention of changing it out this weekend. Well, I pulled the pump up from underneath the back seats and was not able to locate any filter. My guess is that the Accent has a non-serviceable filter integrated with the pump.

At any rate, I bolted the pump assembly back in and the car fired right up. The only problem is the fuel gauge now just reads empty and the CEL came on after a few miles of driving.

Any thoughts? Suggestions? Car is a 2005 Accent. Thanks!

Dave

[omgbossis21]

I have a 98 accent, the filter in on the firewall of the car. Sounds to me like when you put it back in you didnt something to the float causing it to stick. Not sure if your car has a fuel return or not, the fuel pressure regulator may be attached to the fuel pump. That is, if its not on the end of the fuel rail.

[MufflerBearings69]

A wire being knocked loose can cause it to read wrong too, i.e. if there isnt a circuit it will read either dead empty or totally full depending on the car...

I would check all the electrical connetions first. Then work your way along towards if the float has been damaged/wedged so it cant move.

I dont know what the fuel pressure regulator comment was for, it would have nada to do with the fuel level gauge...

And I would suggest buying a book on your car if you want to to any maintenance- even the cheapo books at least will point you to where the components are at...

[omgbossis21]

B/c on the model where the fuel pressure regulator is on the fuel pump its some really crazy configuration to work with.

[MufflerBearings69]

Ahh, gotcha just pointing out there would be extra components in the way...

My bad...

[daveyfx]

Thanks for the responses all. The gauge randomly decided to start working again... don't ask me how or why! I pulled the pump assembly out on Sunday just to ensure that the float wasn't sticking and nothing had gotten knocked loose like you all suggested.

Needless to say, everything looked OK so I scratched my head and dropped it all back in. The missus called me on her way to work and told me the gauge was reading just fine.

Additionally, it turns out Hyundai released TSB 06-30-001, making a correction in their very own shop manual. The Accent no longer has a separate fuel filter but now has it integrated in the fuel pump assembly. They must not have notified Discount Auto Parts of this change.