All of a sudden my fuel gauge is acting up. One day I'll start the van and it reads empty. Then later it goes back up. I braked suddenly and it went empty and then the automatic lock switch stop working. I brought it to the mechanic. And it worked perfectly for him. He couldn't find anything wrong. He said it could be the computer and that its slowly dieing. and that soon it will go nuts. I'm very frustrated we were suppose to leave for a road trip vavation. The mechanic recommended not driving a long distance. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS?

 

what yr and model is ur Van? what engine size?

It is possible the Body control module is dying. (i am assuming you have like a 03-07.
other wise, could be Fuel sensor in the tank is bad.
either one of those will cost u few hundred to repair.

However, These 2 condition will not leave u stranded in middle of no where, the car will still run unless u run out of Gasoline. Just fill up the tank, set Trip meter to 0, and refill the gas tank every 150 miles, Or use the portable GPS trip function instead.

ur menchanic is right, I do not recommend Driving ur car long distance either... U will have better peace of mind getting a Rental car for ur road trip.

 

its a 1999 grand caravan 140,000

 

My 2000 fuel gage went nuts and it was the electrical connector on the fuel tank. Eventually the fuel pump stopped, too. Easy fix. Spray connector with WD40, withdraw the red latch (using a small pliers), press down on the gray tab (with thumb) while pulling and it should come off easily. Clean liberally inside both connector halves with WD40 and my problems went away.