Gas Gauge Very Slow to Rise…Leaking in Back.

[Nick Bruns]

Hey all! I’ve been having this issue ever since I’ve had my car. When I put gas in it, the gauge rises slow. I can drive for 5 minutes after putting gas in it to register the fuel level. It doesn’t matter if I put in a half tank, 1/4 tank, or a full tank, it takes several minutes for the gauge to show the correct level. With my wife’s car, and on other cars, the gauge rises immediately.

The car runs fine. I just had it serviced (new plugs, wires, fuel filter, belts). It’s a 2002 Subaru Legacy 102,xxx miles.

Also, it’s been leaking in the back (it’s a wagon). I know where the water’s coming from, out of the hinge recesses for the tailgate, and sometimes out of the hole for the middle seat belt. It does it when it rains heavy, but I don’t notice that it does when it’s a light rain or when I wash it. I don’t really want to tear down the headliner if I don’t have to. I suspect the sunroof(s).

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Topic

[Hikaru]

Have you try to clean the fuel sensor, the one has the buoy in your gas tank, open it carefully, you will see some kind of coils resistor, try to clean the coil with very smooth sand paper and see there is no damage on it, and clean the leaver also, and depress until it touch the coil, hook the terminal with your ohm meter and try to move the leveler (buoy) if you see the resistant change fast (fast but not erratic) as you move the buoy, than its all ready good, try to put it back and test the gauge.
hope solve your problems ^^

cmiiw

[Gumpy Guss]

That’s normal, they put some very thick silicone goo on the fuel gauge pointer to keep it from responding to every slosh in the fuel tank. Otherwise it would be annoying, like the fuel gauge in a Yugo.

You want to fix the roof leak real soon now, or you will get mold and rust and bad smells and you don’t want that.

[Bill]

I don’t know for sure bout a Subaru but most cars with a sun roof have water drains in them.
If you don’t have a compressor take it somewhere that does and blow out the drains if applicable. They get plugged with all sorts of crud.

[EricTheCarGuy]

The fact that your fuel gauges does change it’s reading means that it can function. Manufacturers often have a voltage regulation circuit in the cluster to keep gauges from bumping around a lot. Given that Subaru’s are often used as rally vehicles, means that they may have there’s set to respond slowly. Just in case you might check system voltage to make sure it’s in a good place.

As for the leak, I’m on board with checking the sunroof drains. You may end up having to take the headliner down to access them. I shoot a little compressed air in them to help clear out the debris. There may still be some in the sunroof tray after you do this so be sure to try and blow out that area as well.

Keep us posted.

[Nick Bruns]

Thanks for the info! Any idea where the drains drain from? I heard they might exit behind the rear wheel wells.

Another thing for you all…my front sunroof doesn’t rise up anymore. It doesn’t open completely, just tilts up a little bit. I can push on it from beneath and it will open, and it closes when it’s supposed to, but it won’t open on its own.

Anyone else had that problem with the dual-sunroof Subarus?

Thanks!

[EricTheCarGuy]

Sunroof’s usually have 4 drains, one at each corner. You’ll likely have to pull the headliner down to have a look and clear them. It sounds like you have other issues there as well that may or may not be related. Sunroof problems can be electronic or mechanical in nature. I really can’t say what your issue is. You’ll have to get in there to have a look. Keep us posted.

[Author]

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