Nissan 370Z Forum  

Oh no not another fuel gauge issue!

So I know there are few issues with the fuel gauge, but I haven't read anything similar to what has been going on with mine. I've had the car for

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z General Area > Nissan 370Z General Discussions


Like Tree6Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-21-2013, 03:52 PM   #1 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 66
Drives: '12 370Z Mag Blk 6MT
Rep Power: 15
MikeUCFL is on a distinguished road
Default Oh no not another fuel gauge issue!

So I know there are few issues with the fuel gauge, but I haven't read anything similar to what has been going on with mine. I've had the car for about 17 months now, and maybe 3-4 months ago I started to notice that my car was reporting it was empty way too early. After monitoring my fuel gauge, once I hit ~230 miles on a tank (averaging 18mpg) I would be at 1/4 of a tank. Within 5-10 miles of driving my fuel gauge would drop to zero and say ---- miles left to go. Then when I would fill up, I'd only fill 13-14 gallons.. so I knew there was fuel still left in the tank. I have even driven ~60 miles with it saying empty with no issues (other than it yelling at me that it's empty).

So last weekend I took my car to Nissan and had them look at it, and they ordered me two fuel sending units. They arrived in a few days, and took my car last night to be dropped off so they could work on it early this morning. I left the engine running while I was getting things out of my car, and there it was again! Went from 1/4 tank to empty while parked! Anyways, I left the car with them and got a call a few hours ago saying my car was ready. When I got in my car I noticed the fuel gauge read ---- with 0 dots on the meter, but I figured I probably had to fill up to full to have it reset (based on what I've read with fuel starvation). Went to the nearest gas station, filled up to full which was 14 gallons... and... crap... still reading ---- with 0 dots on the meter. I called them up and they're having me drop my car off again on Tuesday.

Not really mad at the dealership, they're trying to figure it out, but I'm curious if anyone has ran into this.. or knows what the issue might be?
__________________
Magnetic Black Touring/Sport/Navi/6MT < Stillen G3 | ZSpeed Stage 1 Clutch/Flywheel/CMAK | RJM Rev 3.2 Pedal with Tilton Master

Last edited by MikeUCFL; 09-21-2013 at 03:55 PM.
MikeUCFL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2013, 04:36 PM   #2 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Las Vegas Nevada
Posts: 308
Drives: 09 370Z yellow,auto
Rep Power: 14
2004YZFR1 is on a distinguished road
Default

It seems like all of the new Nissan cars fuel gauges aren't accurate. My 09 370 and my wife's 10 Altima set coupe do the same thing.
olddudesrule likes this.
__________________
K & N Filters | HPS silicone air intakes| Fast Intentions CBE with 18" resonators |
2004YZFR1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2013, 06:02 PM   #3 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
SouthArk370Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: South Arkansas
Posts: 8,435
Drives: 2014 Challenger
Rep Power: 324197
SouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Assuming the new sensors are good, sounds like high resistance between the sending units and the ECM (or wherever the analog signal goes). Could be a bad ground, dirty connection, frayed wire, &c.
__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma
SouthArk370Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2013, 07:16 PM   #4 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: N/A
Posts: 76,801
Drives: N/A
Rep Power: 141520
kenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond repute
Default

no issue with mine.
Streetlife and Baer383 like this.
kenchan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2013, 09:04 PM   #5 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
PapoZalsa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Not in Sunny Florida
Posts: 6,358
Drives: 16 Nismo w/Tech Pack
Rep Power: 4499
PapoZalsa has a reputation beyond reputePapoZalsa has a reputation beyond reputePapoZalsa has a reputation beyond reputePapoZalsa has a reputation beyond reputePapoZalsa has a reputation beyond reputePapoZalsa has a reputation beyond reputePapoZalsa has a reputation beyond reputePapoZalsa has a reputation beyond reputePapoZalsa has a reputation beyond reputePapoZalsa has a reputation beyond reputePapoZalsa has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I have a 2009 and never had an issue with fuel starvation or the gauge. Going to ZdayZ this year I didn't had any dots lefts with like 5 -10 miles left. I tough I was done. The gauge reach 0 miles and the car continue until we found a gas station even that I was screaming out of my lungs on the 2 way radio that I was out fuel before getting to that point.
__________________
2009 370Z MB Base w/Sport Package 6MT
Modshack's Custom Air Intakes /3M Clear Bra/ Illuminated Kick Plates / F. I CBE w/12" resonators / EVO-R Front Lip / Rear Hatch Wing / Tein S-Tech Springs /Ilegal Tint in the Rep. of VA/4x20mm Z1 Spacers/ Vinyl Roof/Liquid Carbon Designs
PapoZalsa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2013, 01:08 AM   #6 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 66
Drives: '12 370Z Mag Blk 6MT
Rep Power: 15
MikeUCFL is on a distinguished road
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z View Post
Assuming the new sensors are good, sounds like high resistance between the sending units and the ECM (or wherever the analog signal goes). Could be a bad ground, dirty connection, frayed wire, &c.
Hopefully it's not a bad ground or frayed wire! Flammable liquid and electricity, doesn't seem like a good combination.

I'm going to try to keep it parked as much as possible until Tuesday.
__________________
Magnetic Black Touring/Sport/Navi/6MT < Stillen G3 | ZSpeed Stage 1 Clutch/Flywheel/CMAK | RJM Rev 3.2 Pedal with Tilton Master
MikeUCFL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2013, 09:57 AM   #7 (permalink)
Base Member
 
OldGuy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Greensburg PA
Posts: 899
Drives: '09370Z Red Base A7
Rep Power: 16
OldGuy has a spectacular aura aboutOldGuy has a spectacular aura about
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by PapoZalsa View Post
I have a 2009 and never had an issue with fuel starvation or the gauge. Going to ZdayZ this year I didn't had any dots lefts with like 5 -10 miles left. I tough I was done. The gauge reach 0 miles and the car continue until we found a gas station even that I was screaming out of my lungs on the 2 way radio that I was out fuel before getting to that point.
To get most out of my Fuel Perks gas discount, I don't refill until no dot---several miles after miles are down to 0 left. In 4 years, I've not had a problem doing this, with fuel starvation or anything. When I refill the tank, the quantity of gas pumped confirms it was within a fraction of a gallon remaining. I take that as a reasonably accurately responding gas guage.
OldGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2013, 10:17 AM   #8 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
cossie1600's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: californee way
Posts: 5,380
Drives: 370, Leaf
Rep Power: 29
cossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

The meter is as accurate as the guess o meter on the leaf. You are beat to fill up at 200 miles anyway, else you will risk fuel starve.
cossie1600 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2013, 10:23 AM   #9 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
SouthArk370Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: South Arkansas
Posts: 8,435
Drives: 2014 Challenger
Rep Power: 324197
SouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeUCFL View Post
Hopefully it's not a bad ground or frayed wire! Flammable liquid and electricity, doesn't seem like a good combination.

I'm going to try to keep it parked as much as possible until Tuesday.
Unless the bad wiring (assuming that's what it actually is) is inside the tank (all that's in there is the sensor/pump and you have a new one) or you have a hole in the tank (you'd probably smell it if so), the chance of explosion and/or gasoline fire should not be not any greater than normal. There could be a greater chance of a wiring-initiated fire (eg, under the carpet), but the fuse should blow before things get too hot. But, yeah, since gasoline could be involved, it would probably be a good idea to limit how much your drive until you find out what the problem is, just to be safe.

Good luck finding/fixing the problem and let us know what you find out.

Edit: Keep in mind that I'm just making a (educated) guess about the problem being a high-resistance circuit and the risk of fire/explosion may be much greater or much less than I portray above. It's probably not a safety issue, but better safe than sorry.
__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

Last edited by SouthArk370Z; 09-22-2013 at 10:27 AM.
SouthArk370Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2013, 11:32 AM   #10 (permalink)
Track Member
 
chii370's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: .
Posts: 642
Drives: .
Rep Power: 15
chii370 is a splendid one to beholdchii370 is a splendid one to beholdchii370 is a splendid one to beholdchii370 is a splendid one to beholdchii370 is a splendid one to beholdchii370 is a splendid one to beholdchii370 is a splendid one to behold
Default

only issue I have with my guage is the last bubble doesnt show up. but then I put some injector cleaner, or octane boost in it and for whatever reason that fixes it for like 5-6 fill ups. Dont ask why, I have NO IDEA why it works, but it does consistently. renewable temporary fix lol. my 09 did the SAME thing.
chii370 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2013, 11:38 AM   #11 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Mt Tam I am's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: California
Posts: 10,709
Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE
Rep Power: 3842
Mt Tam I am has a reputation beyond reputeMt Tam I am has a reputation beyond reputeMt Tam I am has a reputation beyond reputeMt Tam I am has a reputation beyond reputeMt Tam I am has a reputation beyond reputeMt Tam I am has a reputation beyond reputeMt Tam I am has a reputation beyond reputeMt Tam I am has a reputation beyond reputeMt Tam I am has a reputation beyond reputeMt Tam I am has a reputation beyond reputeMt Tam I am has a reputation beyond repute
Default

My 09 is not problematic.

Use your odometer in the mean time. 200 miles around town and refill again. Always fill to top when without a gauge. Good luck.
__________________
"Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women."
Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber
Mt Tam I am is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2013, 12:05 PM   #12 (permalink)
Ronin Samurai - Assassin
 
Rusty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky
Age: 68
Posts: 34,812
Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M
Rep Power: 2684436
Rusty has a reputation beyond reputeRusty has a reputation beyond reputeRusty has a reputation beyond reputeRusty has a reputation beyond reputeRusty has a reputation beyond reputeRusty has a reputation beyond reputeRusty has a reputation beyond reputeRusty has a reputation beyond reputeRusty has a reputation beyond reputeRusty has a reputation beyond reputeRusty has a reputation beyond repute
Wink

Our gas tanks have 2 floats in them. One mounted on the fuel pump sender housing right side, and one on the left side on it's own bracket. So our gas gauge is gettings readings from 2 different places.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 017.JPG (261.0 KB, 80 views)
File Type: jpg 021.JPG (247.8 KB, 68 views)
__________________

浪人 - 殺し屋
"The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only"
http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html
Rusty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2013, 12:43 PM   #13 (permalink)
Track Member
 
Elan's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 906
Drives: Airplanes
Rep Power: 15
Elan has a reputation beyond reputeElan has a reputation beyond reputeElan has a reputation beyond reputeElan has a reputation beyond reputeElan has a reputation beyond reputeElan has a reputation beyond reputeElan has a reputation beyond reputeElan has a reputation beyond reputeElan has a reputation beyond reputeElan has a reputation beyond reputeElan has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by chii370 View Post
only issue I have with my guage is the last bubble doesnt show up. but then I put some injector cleaner, or octane boost in it and for whatever reason that fixes it for like 5-6 fill ups. Dont ask why, I have NO IDEA why it works, but it does consistently. renewable temporary fix lol. my 09 did the SAME thing.
I've had this problem too but after the first shut down and restart, it comes back as full.
__________________
2009 370Z NISMO #477 | AAM Competition Short Tails | AAM Competition HFCs | K&N Typhoon CAI | Kenwood DPX300U | Rockford Fosgate PRIME R300-4 | Rockford Fosgate Punch P165 | Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-12 | Polk Audio db1001 | 15% Tints | GTR Start Button |
Elan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2013, 01:32 PM   #14 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
nmjaxx9's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Middletown, Ct
Posts: 5,853
Drives: 2011 Nissan 370z
Rep Power: 25
nmjaxx9 has much to be proud ofnmjaxx9 has much to be proud ofnmjaxx9 has much to be proud ofnmjaxx9 has much to be proud ofnmjaxx9 has much to be proud ofnmjaxx9 has much to be proud ofnmjaxx9 has much to be proud ofnmjaxx9 has much to be proud ofnmjaxx9 has much to be proud of
Default

Ayooooooo! I agree with the no issue, wasnt even thinking about that. I dont look at the fuel guage cuz I dont care about it.
nmjaxx9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2013, 06:49 PM   #15 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
SouthArk370Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: South Arkansas
Posts: 8,435
Drives: 2014 Challenger
Rep Power: 324197
SouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I took a look at the MWI section of the FSM and the two fuel level sensors are connected in series and the voltage at the dash (signal goes straight to dash and not through one of the control modules) increases as tank empties (full ~1/2V, mt ~4V). Just the opposite of what I thought it would be. If the circuit resistance was too high, as I first thought, the gauge would never read MT. The only thing I can see that would cause your problem is a bad level sensor - check the resistance of both sensors, specs in FSM. Or the dash is bad.
__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma
SouthArk370Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Fuel Gauge Issue Jme370 Exterior & Interior 44 06-07-2014 08:29 AM
Fuel Gauge jackbelot Nissan 370Z Warranty / Scheduled Maintenance / Servicing / Repairs 2 07-26-2012 09:30 AM
Anyone have a Fuel Gauge Issue? Z_you_Later Nissan 370Z General Discussions 65 04-28-2012 02:45 PM
Fuel Gauge MrZ Nissan 370Z Warranty / Scheduled Maintenance / Servicing / Repairs 7 01-13-2012 03:12 PM
Fuel gauge... HELP! VancouverZ34 Exterior & Interior 9 07-04-2010 04:46 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:43 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2