Just had a weird incident.
I had driven out to get breakfast, ate, got back into the car and started it up and it ran for about 2 seconds, sputtered and died. After that the engine would crank and sputter but not start.

The weird part is that the fuel gauge was pegged all the way to the right, beyond the F, and nearly horizontal to the dash. (I had less than a 1/4 tank left)

After a few minutes I cranked it again and it ran for a few seconds then died. A few minutes after that, same thing. But the fuel gauge didn't budge.

I had replaced the fuel pump about 2 months ago, so on a hunch I checked all of the fuses associated with the fuel system. They were all fine.

Started the car again and it started right up, fuel gauge moved back to the proper position and the car ran fine all the way home.

So now I'm trying to guess what happened...

By pulling the fuses did I "reboot" the fuel pump in some way or is it possible that I might've had some ice in the fuel line that happened to break loose? (it was 9 outside and I've probably only got about 3 gallons left in the tank)
Although I drive the car about 40 miles every day on commute and haven't had this issue before.

97 Z28

 

Sounds like the connector at the rear of the car, with the wires for the fuel pump and the level sensor, may be loose or damaged. Or possibly you pinched the wires when you replaced the fuel pump, or the internal wiring connections on the pump support frame are not tight.

The fuel pump doesn't have anything to "reboot" when you remove and replace the fuse.

 

Thanks. One thing I forgot to mention, I'm pretty sure my evap cannister is full and I was reading elsewhere that that might cause a vacuum in the tank. I had unscrewed the gas csp along with the fuses before it restarted. Would that cause similar symptoms? (it's been running fine all afternoon)

 

I don't see how vacuum in the tank would screw up the gauge float... but maybe its possible.