The Car Care Clinic with the Dr John

91 Dodge Grand Caravan - Fuel gauge problem

Mel from Cardiff

Question

When I get to just above half a tank on the petrol gauge the low fuel light comes on and then the gauge drops to empty on my ‘91 Dodge Grand Caravan. Would this be the gauge or the unit inside the tank itself?

Answer

I would without a doubt say that the sending unit in the gas tank that reports the fuel level is for sure failing. Because of the vehicle’s age I would suggest replacing the fuel pump when you have the sensor/sending unit removed from the gas tank for replacement. Why? The fuel pump is part of the gas gauge sending unit assembly so the labor cost should be no different.

Good Luck!
Dr. John