My ICV

[porsche gt1]

So I was driving around last week and when I let my car idle for a while it stalls out. There are a couple weird symptoms on this one. My fuel empty light is on at about half a tank, even though I do have half a tank. It usually goes on when I idle and goes off when I drive. Now on friday when the stalling was happening the fuel light was on constantly. After the car stalls out it turns right back on with no problems.

I just finished a HG job 2 weeks ago and have had no issues with it. I believe this is my ICV, or FP. Anyone had this happen or have an idea as to the cause?

[325iCabrio]

I'd definately look at the fuel pump and the fuel pump relay. I don't think that it'd be the ICV, but if you've had problems with your idle, I'd suggest replacing it as insurance. The fuel quantity reader (don't you hate it when you can't think of the word that's on the tip of your tongue?) resides inside the fuel pump, so if the fuel pump is crapping out, it's possible that it would affect your fuel gauge.

So, first thing--check the fuel pump relay. If that checks out, follow the instructions on checking the fuel pump in the Bentley manual. Since you have an '88, I'm pretty sure you have one fuel pump. I'd also check the fuel pressure regulator--it's a cheap part and would be worth replacing. Finally, I'd also check your fuel lines to make sure you don't have a small leak that's causing depressurization in the system.

If none of that works (but I think it should), I'd also check your throttle position sensor. Maybe it's out of whack, causing your car to stall, although I don't know why your fuel light would be on if that's the case.

I'm having issues with my fuel pump--it just died for a few seconds while I was cruising on the road. :shock: I know my fuel pump needs to go. On a related topic, have you heard any whining or a buzzing sound from the back of your car? That's the first sign your fuel pump is shitting itself out. Good luck!

[porsche gt1]

yeah checked for buzzing from the FP, FPR is good. I think i have to go inside and just replace the fuel sender and pump and why not the filter and gasket while I am in there. Another fun weekend job :).

I will see if I have a leak, I didn't even think of that, maybe at the fuel rail as it was leaking on me after I did the HG, I thought I fixed it but who knows.

thanks for the response.

[AdamF 88iS]

It doesn't sound like a fuel pump problem. Usually a weak pump with low pressure will manifest itself when you try to drive and be fine at idle since not much fuel is being used then. You probably have a bad sending unit or wiring shorting out under the seat there, plus an unrelated issue that causes your car to stall at idle. When it stalls, does it cut off sharply or sputter out gradually?

[porsche gt1]

It doesn't sound like a fuel pump problem. Usually a weak pump with low pressure will manifest itself when you try to drive and be fine at idle since not much fuel is being used then. You probably have a bad sending unit or wiring shorting out under the seat there, plus an unrelated issue that causes your car to stall at idle. When it stalls, does it cut off sharply or sputter out gradually?

Sputters, then eventually dies. Even if I give it gas is just kills itself. It does not do it if I rev the engine at about 1000 rpm. I am a little stumped.