Fuel gauge issue

[Ocean_eyes]

I just picked up a used '07 Legacy wagon with a swapped engine, the motor has 142k, car has 160k. I wasn't too sure about it, but we went for it anyway...I put $20 of gas in after it sat for a while, and the fuel gauge is still stuck on empty, very strange right?

 

[OutbackSnack]

I got an old 2007 Legacy wagon not too long ago. I swapped the engine, it's got 142,000 miles on it, while the car itself has 160,000. I had a similar problem: I put gas in it after it had been sitting, but the fuel gauge didn't move off empty. Usually, it's just a sticky or worn fuel sending unit in these cars. It's easy to check under the back seat, there are two access panels. I swapped one from a parts car, and that fixed the problem. Might be worth checking before you start messing with the wiring or the instrument cluster.

 

[FM STATIC]

I agree that the sending unit under the seat is usually the problem like @OutbackSnack said. Saying this from experience since I swapped mine last month and the gauge came right back to life. Like new! Anyway, if it sat for a while, it's almost always the float getting stuck. Try topping off the tank and giving it a few miles.