I own a 2000 Subaru Impreza that I recently brought in for service to the Subaru dealership that I bought the car from. The check engine light has been going on and off for a month or so and the dealership told me that the Fuel Sending Units needing replacing. I was then told that this would cost me $450 to $500. I asked them if this was covered under the warranty i payed extra for. THey replied that this problem is only covered under the gold warranty (and of course I have the Silver warranty)
I was wondering if anyone out there has had this problem before or if anyone knows if this is a normal rate for replacing the "fuel sending units" (parts +labor)???

Would I be better off trying to do this work myself?? I dont know too much about working on cars but i do know some of the basics. Any ideas/thoughts/advice??

 

If I remember correctly, this unit is under the back seat. Should be fairly easy to replace. But I could be wrong because I haven't done it myself.

I don't know how much that sucker should be. I would ask the parts department for price and part number. then check with http://www.subaruparts.com/ and see if they have it and how much. Good luck!

Leo

 

here is an image i found... NOT for subaru, but should be something similar

 

Nice, Thanks for your help iBlue. That sounds like a great place to start for sure.

 

you are welcome. If you are serious about doing it yourself. you can go to http://techinfo.subaru.com/html/index.jsp and pay $20 to download EVERYTHING within 72 hours. This way, you'll know how to replace the fuel sending unit and what tool to use. Good luck!

Leo

 

Find out what code you have, and what is your mileage. If it turns on the MIL light, it's emissions related, emissions related components should be covered by the emissions warranty unless you are over mileage/age. The fuel level sender for the gauge shouldn't turn on the MIL unless there is a tank pressure sensor or another PCM input component attached to it.

 

According to the paper work i received back with my car, Check Engine Light On due to EN CODE P1442, and my milage is @ 68,890 Thanks much for the help!

 

Oh well, I was hoping that they were wrong, but it looks like they aren't ......

at least you know they aren't trying to rip you off......

DTC P1442 - FUEL LEVEL SENSOR CIRCUIT RANGE/PERFORMANCE PROBLEM 2

DTC DETECTING CONDITION:


Two consecutive driving cycles with fault.
CAUTION : After repair or replacement of faulty parts, conduct CLEAR MEMORY MODE and INSPECTION MODE. Refer to How To clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes.






WIRING DIAGRAM

11CJ1: CHECK ANY OTHER DTC ON DISPLAY .



CHECK: Does the Subaru Select Monitor or OBD-II general scan tool indicate DTC P0461, P0462 or P0463?
YES : Inspect DTC P0461, P0462 or P0463 using "11. Diagnostics Chart with Trouble Code for 2500 cc Models"
NOTE : In this case, it is not necessary to inspect this trouble.
NO : Replace fuel level sensor and fuel sub level sensor.

 

What is your emissions warranty? If you aren't outside the mileage/months window, they should cover it.

 

The fuel sending unit isn't an emissions part unfortunately. This is a repair that you can do yourself, but it is critical that you are able to properly reseal the fuel pump/sending unit plate after you replace it, or you will have a fuel leak. If you aren't confident in your repair skills, either find someone you trust to help you, or go ahead and have a qualified technician replace it. If you take it in, look around for an independent mechanic- you'll be able to get as good or better service for less money in most cases.

 

If he is in warranty, it should be covered. I can't find any info that stipulates what the emissions warranty period is for 2000 model years. On my 03 I think it is 7/70. If it turns on the check engine light like this code did, then it is an emissions related code. That is the only reason OBD-II turns on the light.

 

The fuel sending unit- meaning the sensor that reads fuel level- is not an emissions-related component, and is therefore covered only under the Basic warranty. The fuel pump and charcoal canister parts would still be covered undeer the federally required extended emissions warranty.

 

Thanks everyone for the help, it is MUCH appreciated. I am really impressed with the I-club and everyone in it.
As for the fuel sending unit, After reviewing what this item is and what it does, I am not confident at all with my repair skills when it involves something like this. Im in the process of finding someone that can help me do the repair and if not I now have a independent mechanic that I can use (great advice BANsuvs, i did get a better price quote from them)
Ill keep the thread updated with the status on this situation..
Another question though; Is it bad for me to be driving with this problem? I wont be able to afford this fix for another week or two and drive almost 80 miles a day. Should I avoid driving my car till I get this fixed??

You guys rock thanks for all the great advice/thought/ideas/suggestions!!!

 

Hey guess what? Upon further review of evidence submitted to me by WRXnifect, You may be able to get therepair covered under Federal Emissions warranty guidelines.

From this site:

 

Do you think I shouldn't drive my car till I fix it??