So the fuel gauge malfunctioned - I was running low, the fuel light went on and I poured 10 liters, but the gauge didn't move. The car started ok, but after sitting for a few hours it no longer starts - it cranks, the battery is ok, but the engine just won't launch.
Not sure if fuel pump could have failed, since the symptoms seem to be more focused around the gauge (sending unit?). Also, could a faulty sending unit disable the pump (just because it thinks the tank is empty?)

 

If you ran the tank bone dry I would not be surprised if your fuel pump failed. But first things first -- check the fuel pump's fuse, and any other fuse that is associated with the system.

 

There are number of possibilities and depending on your skill level you can check them out one by one or have a mechanic find out,

1. Your fuel gauge could still be bad ... giving you faulty reading [not likely to cause any other issues ... you have been operating like this before]
2. Fuel pump malfunction ... it can burn out when there is no fuel.
3. Junk got int the line . Very unlikely if you have been using good gas. [in US/Canada the gas storage facility are under tight regulations and junk typically does not get into the fuel]

Salim
PS: Gasoline and hot surfaces do not go along. So if you are a novice DIY, please leave the diagnosis/test to qualified shop.

 

well, problem solved - I reset the gauge by disconnecting the battery for an hour. The automatics probably thought the tank was empty and blocked the fuel pump from initiating. Resetting did the job