my 99 civic dx hatchback started acting up this morning... when i turn the engine on, but don't start it... the gas gauge keeps reading empty, but i know for sure there is gas in the tank because i filled it up two days ago and there's plenty left. it doesn't start... it just sputters and then dies as if the fuel pump weren't working. after a while if i leave my car untouched and try turning it on again, it works just fine, and the gas goes right back up! when i was idling at a red light, the gas gauge just plunged and i had to have my sister steer while i pushed my car back home. it's already done this starting/not starting three times..

it goes from having 3/4 tank of gas to having none, again to 3/4, and then to none! i can't figure this outttt


Modified by confucioussae at 3:31 PM 9/1/2006

 

clogged fuel filter, or bad fuel pump. I would change them both just to be on the safe side.

 

what could cause my pump to go out , and how do i clean/change my fuel filter :\
this is all new to me

 

Pumps go out for whatever reason, different type of gases, dirt or debree in the tank, or simplely old age. Many different reasons but its all the same.

If you dont know how to pull a fuel filter it is going to be a hard job because its alot of muscle first time out. But you need a 17mm and a cresent wrench. Follow the fuel line to the filter (round black thing) and take off the top line first, then the bottom line (i believe thats a 14mm flare nut wrench) and then its out. Its pretty simple after you do your frist one.

 

i've changed the floor harness to the SI, so i know where the pump is and i've pulled the interior apart before. but i don't know where the filter is ? am igoing to have to pull out the rear seats to get to the filter ?>

 

i don't know what caused this problem, but i'm going to guess consendation in my gas tank, or watered down gasoline. i figured pouring down a bottle of STP gas treatment was worth a shot, i tried starting it up after a little while and it worked just fine! i then drove it to the gas station and filled up, and i haven't had any problems since.