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A (possibly) different fuel gauge issue?

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Old Apr 30, 2025 | 07:46 PM
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Default A (possibly) different fuel gauge issue?

I know the fuel gauge has been discussed here ad nausem. I've read volumes on it, and I think I have a pretty good handle on how the system works, and the issues associated with it. What I'm experiencing seems to be different... Maybe?

So, the fuel gauge drops to empty, sometimes shows a little above 1/2. When it drops to empty, however, I don't get the check gauges light, nor is a trouble code set. The HUD shows full, which is correct... the tank is full. Is it possible that the analog gauge is faulty, but the HUD is accurate?

I also wonder if only the left side tank is full, and the crossover tube is blocked. This would cause a trouble code though, right?

Forgive me if this has been discussed before, and I couldn't find the thread.

Last edited by castlemusic; May 1, 2025 at 01:15 PM.
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Old Apr 30, 2025 | 08:39 PM
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Okay, yes there are a bazillion threads on this topic. To your question: the ONLY source for the fuel level (analog gage, MPG, range, HUD) are the two senders in the tanks. If one of those is bad, all kinds of weird stuff happens.
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Old May 1, 2025 | 09:14 AM
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Originally Posted by castlemusic
I know the fuel gauge has been discussed here ad nausem. I've read volumes on it, and I think I have a pretty good handle on how the system works, and the issues associated with it. What I'm experiencing seems to be different... Maybe?

So, the fuel gauge drops to empty, sometimes shows a little above 1/2. When it drops to empty, however, I don't get the check gauges light, nor is a trouble code set. The HUD shows full, which is correct... the tank is full. Is it possible that the analog gauge is faulty, but the HUD is accurate?

I also wonder if only the left side tank is full, and the crossover rube is blocked. This would cause a trouble code though, right?

Forgive me if this has been discussed before, and I couldn't find the thread
The fuel senders are directly connected to the PCM. The PCM sends calculated fuel level as serial data to the instrument cluster, which then controls the gauge. Since the HUD is giving correct fuel level its most likely a mechanical gauge issue or the cluster electronics. Does the fuel gauge sweep when you turn the ignition on?
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Old May 1, 2025 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by C5MSG2004Vert
Since the HUD is giving correct fuel level its most likely a mechanical gauge issue or the cluster electronics. Does the fuel gauge sweep when you turn the ignition on?
Aha! Major clue! Thanks for that. All the other gauges sweep cleanly, but the fuel kinda struggles up to half then falls back to E. So therein lies my problem! Now to research how to fix the analog gauge. I'm glad to know that the HUD and miles to empty are correct though!
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Old May 2, 2025 | 01:36 AM
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Get a gauge cluster from another car. They sell for $100 to $250 if you want a Z06 one.

You can take it all apart and swap your car's DIC/board onto the other cluster with different gauges. It keeps your accurate odometer, etc.

You can drop the knee bolster and unbolt the column to get the cluster out easily and quickly without removing the dash which is a much larger project.
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