they had recalls on some with the same issue either update the software or replace the fuel pumps.

 

So, there are 2 pumps? One is just to transfer fuel? This thing is driving my wife crazy. It runs great but when the guage gets down to about 1/2 tank and it says 160miles to empty, then it suddenly drops to empty and says 30 miles to empty. At this point it will barely hold more than 5 gal. and you have to fill it VERY slow or its dumps gas out of the vent.

 

I just found a link to a parts list and diagram of the fuel tank assembly. It shows a primary pump, a secondary pump, a regulator and 1 sending unit. It seems like the fuel is not being moved from one side of the tank to the other.
I always use forums to diagnose problems, from my ATVs to boats to our vehicles. There has got to be someone that has the exact same symptoms as me and has fixed it. I just want to buy the right part, put it in and be done with it.

 

This topic has had 284 views so I must not be alone with fuel guage problems. Too bad nobody knows how to troubleshoot it.

 

Chillin,

I am having this EXACT SAME PROBLEM!!

I have 122k miles on my 2005 Pacifica that I've owned for 3 years without any problem. A week or so ago, I started noticing that my tank would only take 12-14 gallons, even though it was COMPLETELY EMPTY (according to the gas gauge).Usually, it will take 20.It also drops very quickly. The other day, while traveling, I noticed I was getting very low so I stopped and got only two gallons at this overpriced gas station, knowing that I could make it 30 miles to thelower priced one near home. Well, I only made it about 10 miles before running out of gas. I knew there had to be more gas in that damn tank, but the gauge was showing empty. I got towed to a gas station but still, could only fit 12 gallons in my 20 gallon tank.30 miles downthe road, I noticed the gauge had already dropped to near 3/4.

I have not yet had it serviced and so I am sorry but I do not know then answer. I called and spoke to the dealer and he told me to look for a loose ground on the transfer (secondary) fuel pump.

Did you ever find the cause of the problem on your Pacifica?

 

Mine is in the shop with the exact same problem which started yesterday. I faxed them this thread so let's see what it is they find.

 

I fixed it alright, I dont own it anymore. In addition to the guage problems, the sun roof leaked and my wife said that sometimes it shifted funny.

 

I have an '04 Pac which had the exact same problem (bought used 12 months ago). I would be in my driveway with 1/2 tank of gas, 1 mile down the road it would read "Empty", then it would die and leave my famnily strandid on the roadside. Put gas in it, get to a station and it would take 15 gallons of gas (23 gallon take on empty??). I knew it had more gas in it and I tracked the mileage per tank so I knew it was not getting all the gas out of the tank.

All the discussion about 1 tank saddled over the driveshaftand 2 pumps is right on. The pump on the left (driver's) side is the main pump that sends the gas to the engine. The pump on theright just helps move the gas back to the left. There are syphon hoses connecting the two pumps.

First two trips resulted in a new sending unit. No luck... lots of dealer theories but none that fit the symptoms.Fourth trip in resulted in a new Body Control Module (BCM) which is the main computer in the car. As soon as they test drove the car with this new BCM a check engine light came on and the code indicated a syphon hose problem in the gas tank (now we're getting somewhere). They ended up replacing the entire insides of the gas tank (new pumps, new sending units, new syphon hoses, new impellers, etc). Turns out, the gas would get to the right side but never got pumped back to the left so it could get the engine. Right side pump and syphon hoses were broke.About $1200 later, a new BCM, and all new equipment in the gas tank... the problem is fixed.

The footnote to all of this... when they took the driveshaft out the last time (to get the gas tank down), the bearings in the rear of the driveshaft were shot. You can't just replace the bearings (so they told me), I had to get a whole new driveshaft, another $600 or so. I didn't realize it when I bought itbut this must be a real luxury car.... must have to make over $100k per year to own the thing (keeping it on the road and working correctly)! Still have a couple issues that are not solved... the saga continues.

 

So does anybody have a easy fix for this fuel problem- mine is 3/4 full drops to empty dings goes back up and drops again dings and this keeps going on and driving my f- nuts- but the car does not seem to be affected drives fine still. ? is this a ground wire problem? thanks

 

have u had the recall done if applied? if not possible either one of the level units are bad in the tanks.