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Inaccurate Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge in 91-93 SE-R's and NX2000's has a reputation for being erratic and inaccurate. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) NTB93-094 was issued by Nissan in June of 1993 describing the problem and providing instructions to correct it. The following information was taken from the TSB:

bullet_red.gif (888 bytes) Affected Models:
1991-93 Sentra (B13) & NX (KB13)

bullet_red.gif (888 bytes) Affected production dates:
Any ZAMA B13/KB13, built before 2/1/93.
    ZAMA is the assembly plant in Zama, Japan (VIN begins with the letter "J")
Any SMYRNA B13, built before 3/1/93.
    SMYRNA is the assembly plant in Smyrna, Tennessee (VIN begins with the numeral "1")

bullet_red.gif (888 bytes) Symptoms:
1. Fuel gauge will not read FULL after filling the tank.
2. Fuel gauge reads EMPTY, but could only add 8-9 gallons of fuel to tank.
3. Fuel gauge drops off FULL too fast; reads 3/4 after driving only 25-40 miles
4. Low fuel light does not illuminate, even when the gauge reads EMPTY. [Sentra GXE, SE, & SE-R; NX2000  models, only. Other models do not have a low fuel light]

bullet_red.gif (888 bytes) Service procedure:
Remote Sending Unit, located in the fuel tank [Reference: FSM pages, FE03-FE04]
Replace with countermeasure sending unit listed below.
The Fuel Gauge Sending Unit Seal (O-ring) should be replaced prior to reinstalling the Sending Unit.

NOTE: Make sure that the fuel pump power connector is fully connected (snapped-clicked into place) during reassembly. If this connector is not fully connected, the grommet can swell and push apart the connector, resulting in a "no fuel pump operation".

bullet_red.gif (888 bytes) Countermeasure Parts:

Part Description New Part # Former Part # Price*
Sending Unit 25060-57Y02 25060-57Y01 $83.60
Sending Unit (w/ Low Fuel Light) 25060-57Y02 25060-57Y11 $82.81
Sending Unit Seal (O-Ring) Unchanged 17342-01A00 $4.93

* Price from Courtesy Nissan as of 11/6/98.

bullet_red.gif (888 bytes) For those of you without the Factory Service Manual (FSM), here is the procedure:

  1. Disconnect battery ground cable...gas vapors and sparks don't mix!!
  2. Remove rear seat; both sections.
  3. Locate and remove inspection hole cover located under the seat. The inspection hole cover is held in place by four screws.
  4. Disconnect the two electrical connectors.
  5. Disconnect fuel outlet tube, fuel return tube, and connectors.
       NOTE: Before disconnecting fuel outlet tube, release fuel pressure.
  6. Remove the six screws holding the fuel gauge assembly in place.
  7. Remove the fuel gauge assembly.
  8. Remove old O-ring seal and replace with a new one.
  9. Remove the sending unit from the fuel gauge assembly and replace with new part.
  10. Place the fuel gauge assembly back in the tank, re-install six retaining screws and torque to 2.4 to 3.1 lb-ft.
  11. Reconnect fuel tubes and electrical connectors.
  12. Reconnect battery ground cable.
  13. Turn ignition to ON position and check for leaks and proper function of fuel gauge.
  14. Re-install inspection hole cover and four screws.
  15. Re-install rear seat.