Ok, I know this has been discussed in the past, https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/m_30261/tm.htm

but I was wondering where some of you think I should start. My guage on my 96 has been acting funny since I purchased my car from my mother. She had the car for 11 yrs. The first time i filled it up, it didnt go to Full but to 3/4. Since then it went to full. Yesterday I put 7.5 gal from empty and it went to 1/2 tank. Then I got in it later and it went to 3/4 but about 5-10 miles later I looked down and it had dropped to 1/2. Now I know something is up, but what? Also, the Low gas light has never come on since I've had it.

Thanx in advance.

 

the windings on the sending unit that change the resistance get sulfated/corroded over the years.
You can fold down the back seat and remove the trunk floor lining, then remove the sending unit [have a fan moving the gas fumes out of the car] Then you can turn on the key and move the sending unit up and down to watch the fuel gauge reation.
The fuel gauge will slowly change, so you have to hold the sending arm in one place for a couple minutes.
If you ground the yellow/ blue wire from the wire harness [key on] the fuel gauge should rise. But don't let it peg out !!
If you ground the Light Green/red wire the low fuel light should come on.
As you are holding the sending unit with the empty plug socket facing you, measure the resistance of the center and Left pins.
float at empty position should show 105-110 ohms
1/2 way should be 25-39 ohms
and Full is 3-5 ohms

 

thanks hondadude, I'll pull that and see about the float reaction. no voly/ohm meter on hand but i need to get one

 

I have read of success in fixing an intermittent gauge by use of Techron fuel additive. Supposedly cleans the deposits on the sending unit.

good luck