I thought this would be a track issue only, and I've had the problem there at half a tank, but I also had a big issue with this on the street yesterday and a small issue with it last summer. The stock fuel system design is really lousy on this car.
Yesterday I had just over 1/4 tank of fuel (5 dots) indicated. Getting off an offramp on the way home, I have a long, tight 200 degree right turn. At around 30mph, I took it at close to the limit of the tires (at 28F - so not terribly fast) at part throttle in 2nd. The corner lasted about 3 seconds. The car lost all power at the end of the corner due to starvation.
I rolled to a safe spot and stopped. I tried to restart. Nothing - it tried but couldn't get any gas. The fuel gauge read 2 dots as soon as the car tried to restart, so I'm wondering if the earlier five dot reading was incorrect. And now, when it wouldn't start, the car still estimated over 100 miles to empty. I ended up getting a ride home and coming back with a gas tank. After adding a gallon or two it started right up.
I also had the issue once climbing a canyon road. It was a very steep grade, maybe 10-15 degrees, and with an indicated 1/4 tank, the car lost all power (starved) anytime I pointed the front end up the hill. I kept it in gear, rolled a u turn, and rolled more until fuel reentered the lines. I filled up the tank, came back, and climbed the hill with no issues.
Last edited by _ace_; 01-15-2012 at 06:20 PM.
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