I have a 1992 Honda Civic. I've had it about 2 years.
When I first got it, it would run out of gas when the gas hand got to about 1/4 of a tank. A few months later, it started running out of gas on 1/2 a tank. Now, it's running out on 3/4 of a tank of gas. When it won't start, I put in 1 gallon of gas, it starts right up, I drive to the nearby gas station 3 miles away and it will only hold 2 more gallons of gas. What could be the problem?

Also, when I turn the car off, the brake lights stay on. I have to take a fuse out from under the hood to keep from running the battery down. If I try to drive the car without the fuse in it, the car won't shift out of park. When this first started, I noticed a small black pointed piece of plastic lying in the floorboard on the driver's side. What could be causing this?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

I am a disabled female and don't have anyone to help me. I just like to have an idea what might be going on before I go to a mechanic. Everyone seems to charge me over $500 for stuff like this.

 

No start problem: This is a bit difficult to diagnose without doing some tests. For example, does the yellow check engine light (CEL) on the dash remain on when you are driving the car? With that said, two very common causes of no-start problems are a bad main relay or a bad spark component (coil or igniter unit) in the distributor. My guess is that the main relay is bad. Replacing it is a relatively simple job.

Brake lights: There is a switch located at the top of the brake pedal. It has broken, and that's why you found a piece of it on the floor. Installing a new switch, which is also a relatively simple job, will solve the problem.

The main relay and brake switch are both inexpensive parts.

It's a shame the way that some unscrupulous mechanics will overcharge women.

 

Thank you so much Ron! The pictures are a huge help!!