Instruments - Fuel Gauge Sticks

Bulletin No.
96-020

Issue Date
MAR 18, 1996

Model
1996 CIVIC

Applicable To
3-DOOR CX
thru VIN
2HGEJ6...TH113925

File Under
ELECTRICAL

Fuel Gauge Sticks

SYMPTOM

The fuel gauge needle sticks in the full or empty position.

PROBABLE CAUSE

The fuel gauge sending unit binds on the baffle inside the fuel tank.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Reposition the fuel gauge sending unit.

1. Record the radio station presets (if applicable), then disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

2. Relieve the fuel pressure from the system. (Refer to page 11-139 of the Service Manual.)

3. Carefully remove the drain plug from the fuel tank, and drain the fuel into an approved container.





4. Remove the rear seat cushion (one bolt, then lift the rear of the cushion).





5. Remove the access panel (four screws and one connector).





6. Loosen the five 6 mm mounting nuts for the fuel gauge sending unit. Do not remove the nuts.





7. Rotate the fuel gauge sending unit in a clockwise direction as far as possible. Make sure that the base gasket is not twisted or pinched.





8. Using the sequence shown, tighten the five 6 mm nuts on the fuel gauge sending unit to 5.9 Nm (4.3 lb-ft).

9. Connect the negative cable to the battery, then turn the ignition switch ON.

^ If the fuel gauge reads empty, reinstall the drain plug with a new 12 mm sealing washer (see PARTS INFORMATION), and continue to step 10.

^ If the fuel gauge reads full, replace the fuel tank with the one listed under PARTS INFORMATION. (Refer to page 11-148 of the Service Manual.)

10. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and fill the fuel tank. Turn the ignition switch ON.

^ If the fuel gauge reads full, continue to step 11.

^ If the full gauge does not read full, replace the fuel tank with the one listed under PARTS INFORMATION. (Refer to page 11-148 of the Service Manual.)

11. Check for any fuel leaks around the fuel sending unit.

12. Reinstall the access panel and the rear seat cushion.

13. If applicable, enter the customer's radio station presets and reset the clock.

PARTS INFORMATION

Fuel tank:
P/N 17500-S01-A30, H/C 4810339

Sealing washer, 12 mm:
P/N 94109-12000, H/C 0171868

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.





Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

Failed part: P/N 78130-S01-A01
H/C 4798112

Defect code: 039

Contention code: B99