Fuel light comes on after start.....

[excel4600c]

I start the car and the Fuel light comes on for 5 seconds then goes out with a full tank of gas. Could this have something to do with the fuel filter or the fuel pump. im thinking about changing them anyway since its a '98 and has 46500 miles on it.

 

[mrutkaus]

Aren't most warning lights supposed to come on when you first start the car to show you they work?

 

[excel4600c]

Not every one is stupid i would not be asking this question if it was fine. if your low fuel light comes on while the car is running and you have a full tank of gas then its a problem. Im not some 16 yr old kid that just got his first car and know nothing about it. if it wasnt a problem i would not have asked. So if u think im stupid go and see how long your fuel light comes on for after you start your car if you have a full tank and if it stays on after you started the car for for longer than a second and theres nothing wrong with your car... then i will gladly say im stupid and i need to kill myself NOW.

 

[69Boss302]

The filter doesn't have any type of sending unit that will affect the light.

The pump, however, does have a sensor. The sensor could be sticking or just slow.

If it is still showing the accurate level then I wouldn't bother with it. The pumps are expensive and may not be worth it.

 

[excel4600c]

aahhhh they range from $120 - $300 online as long as labor cost isnt too bad im going to need it eventually.

 

[firehawk618]

Not every one is stupid i would not be asking this question if it was fine. if your low fuel light comes on while the car is running and you have a full tank of gas then its a problem. Im not some 16 yr old kid that just got his first car and know nothing about it. if it wasnt a problem i would not have asked. So if u think im stupid go and see how long your fuel light comes on for after you start your car if you have a full tank and if it stays on after you started the car for for longer than a second and theres nothing wrong with your car... then i will gladly say im stupid and i need to kill myself NOW.

Checked mine and it comes on for about 5 seconds upon startup. Part of the bulb check.

 

[F111D F]

Mine 10 years old 76,000 doing just fine Yes I'm knocking on wood. I also have run synthetic fuel cleaners (Textron with Stoddard solvent) and have been adding acetone 3 oz per 10 gals to increase mileage the last 3-4 years. The filter sock is probably very clean which usually plugs up killing the pump. At least that a belief running around.
Anyhow least amount working the fuel the better for me. If it any broke don't fix it. Well for me preventive maintenance has a bad habit of costing me big bucks. I believe in preventive maintenance but certain things like the fuel system except for the fuel filter best left alone until it fails.
It would nice if the fuel pump was designed to be easily and quickly pulled inspected and restored back into service. It would be even nicer if it was external then there would still be the fuel lever sender inside thought.