# Fuel level sensor **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [October 25, 2008, 3:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-level-sensor/21206 "2008-10-25T15:06:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![eallsup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@eallsup](https://community.cartalk.com/u/eallsup)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 3:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-level-sensor/21206/1 "2008-10-25T15:06:47Z")
I have a 2004 BMW Ci with 77,000 mi. Lately, I’ve noticed when I have less than 1/4 tank the car lugs. It doesn’t happen all the time but I noticed when it does happen it’s below 1/4 tank. Also one day I had 50 mi left on the tank and was driving on the highway, the car seemed sluggish so I pulled off to fill the tank. As I downshifted it began lugging and stalled 2x before I rolled into the gas station. The mechanic is saying it’s a fuel level sensor and will take 3 hours to do. I’m no mechanic and here in Northern VA everyone is ready to take advantage. HELP! ---
**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 4:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-level-sensor/21206/2 "2008-10-25T16:22:40Z")
So what does this mean? Is the mechanic saying the sensor is causing the gauge to be incorrect and you are running out of gas? I don’t get the connection. Have the fuel pressure tested, especially when the tank is low. I recommend never driving with the tank below 1/4, as the fuel is what cools the fuel pump, and driving with a nearly empty tank is harder on the expensive-to-replace fuel pump. ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 4:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-level-sensor/21206/3 "2008-10-25T16:32:42Z")
The problem you describe is usually a weak or leaking fuel pump inside the tank… ---
**Author:** ![eallsup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@eallsup](https://community.cartalk.com/u/eallsup)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 4:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-level-sensor/21206/4 "2008-10-25T16:51:08Z")
I thought a fuel pump made more sense. The mechanic did not explain the reason just gave me the answer on a Friday evening and now they are not at the station. It does feel like there is no gas getting to the car when I accelerate. ---
**Author:** ![eallsup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@eallsup](https://community.cartalk.com/u/eallsup)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2008, 4:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-level-sensor/21206/5 "2008-10-25T16:54:39Z")
They originally told me they were going to remove gas from the tank (I had 1/2 tank when I brought it in) but I didn’t get to talk directly with the mechanic but rather the service advisor.