Flakey Fuel Guage
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20
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Flakey Fuel Guage
When I get below 1/2 tank, my fuel guage drops to empty and I get the LOW FUEL warning. It doesn't always happen, sometimes it will be at 1/8 and then drop sometimes it will go from empty back up to 1/4, but either way filling the tank the guage works fine above 1/2 tank. Any ideas??
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
There are a number of things that you should do to remidy this:
1. Use a fuel system cleaner i.e. Chevron techron or red line fuel system cleaner. It may take a few applications!
2. Clean the fuel level sensor ground. Chassis ground G-401.
The G-401 ground is on the drivers frame rail inboard of the rear tire. It is a stud and eyelet type of ground. Use lots of WD-40 and wire brush the stud well prior to removing the nut!
3. Replace both fuel level sensors!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Bill C
1. Use a fuel system cleaner i.e. Chevron techron or red line fuel system cleaner. It may take a few applications!
2. Clean the fuel level sensor ground. Chassis ground G-401.
The G-401 ground is on the drivers frame rail inboard of the rear tire. It is a stud and eyelet type of ground. Use lots of WD-40 and wire brush the stud well prior to removing the nut!
3. Replace both fuel level sensors!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Bill C
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Hauser ID
I have the exact same problem. Pretty much happens every time. Goes directly to empty on gauge when it reaches 1/2. I have code P1431 HC and GM already put a new 89047748 (sender/pump assy right) in Feb. This car has always had good gas so I don't think the sulphur buildup is the issue. I have not checked G401 yet. I also noted that if you have say 9/16 and it goes below 1/2 due to angle of car the gauge goes to 0. If you then start again later it shows 9/16 again and goes to 0 upon the 1/2 xover. If you continue to drive to say 7/16 actual (gauge still says 0) and restart then it reads 7/16. Be careful however, because it can run out of gas reading 1/4 tank!!! I have run out once and only put 14G in and I have run till it says reserve then low fuel and also put only 14G in. The problem maybe one of the other items mentioned in the TSB like the jet pump unable to transfer fuel.
