940 95' Fuel Gauge stuck in "full" position

nickdeary · Post by **nickdeary** » 10 Dec 2009, 16:09

Hi-

about a year ago my fuel gauge would show that the tank was full then intermittenly it would work. After about a week of this it just always goes to the full position, even to this day. I have not messed with any wiring this just happend out of the blue. My uncle seams to think that something is lose or dirty?? Its starting to become a pain in the ass doing the gas via mileage.
Please Help!

Post by **billofdurham** » 11 Dec 2009, 11:19

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Check the wiring at the sender unit. You can access this through an inspection hatch in the floor of the luggage area. You may have a short to earth (ground) which will always show a full tank. If the wiring is OK then you probably have a stuck or bad sender unit. The unit is removed through the access panel. Post back if you require instructions.

Bill.

bright · Post by **bright** » 13 Dec 2009, 23:40

Well, it is Christmas and it could be a miracle in the making...

But practically speaking it is usually the ground that goes funky. Check it first because it is free to do.

On a side note I also have a poltergeist fuel gauge. I just ignore it and reset the trip counter at every fill up. 350 miles per tank and that's about that.

Good Luck,
Bright

bright · Post by **bright** » 13 Dec 2009, 23:45

I forgot to add that I did actually have a bad fuel sender on a 91 Saab 900. It actually fell apart in my hands! Checking the ground was free, so I knew that I most likely had a bad sender. And I did.

But by checking I was able to get that nagging feeling out of my head that I'd coughed up $400 on a sender. I loved that car. It was a convertible and it crushed my wallet and my heart.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 14 Dec 2009, 07:41

This is why I have a love/hate relationship with Saab. They are really nice cars, but when something goes wrong, it comes out of no where. This is why I have never brought myself to buying one.

As for the fuel gauge issue, I had the same issue in my 940. It would show full for the first 300 miles and then just show empty right before you were about to run out of gas. I never fixed it because I always just reset the mileage at each fill up. If you really need to get the gauge working, then just do what was mentioned above.

Let use know how you make out.

bright · Post by **bright** » 14 Dec 2009, 09:57

Saabs are no fun when it comes to part prices. I held my breath when I bought the 960, but prices have been relatively low (compared to a Saab.) It was a beautiful car but that beauty came at a price.

***

The only fear I have about the mileage method is that someone will siphon gas out of my fuel tank (it does not have a locking latch and the gas cap does not have a kay.) I know that I can buy a locking gas cap. But are they any good and do they meet EPA guidelines for pollution control.

Thanks,
Bright

Post by **billofdurham** » 14 Dec 2009, 11:01

My fuel gauge is redundant. I fill to the top, reset the trip and refill at 200 miles.

I know that I can buy a locking gas cap. But are they any good and do they meet EPA guidelines for pollution control.

I would think those sold by FCP would meet the criteria.

Bill.