Fuel Gauge Stuck on full

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  • BrooklynMW
    E30 Fanatic
    • Apr 2010
    • 1263

    #1

    Fuel Gauge Stuck on full

    I realize that instrument cluster issues are pretty common. Fortunately, my odometer hasen't stopped miving yet. But lately, I've noticed my fuel gauge gets stuck on full. Every now and then I can tap my finger on it, or even push on the plastic, and it'll move into it's proper place, but lately it's been getting more and more stuck.

    In the meantime, I am relying on my "range" button on the OBC to tell me when I need gas.

    Tomorrow I will be removing the instrument cluster to change the backlights. Are there any simple solutions to this simple problem that I can do when the cluster is removed?
    '87 325i "Chewey" (RIP, my beloved)
    current:
    '01 e46 325iT "Dot" - #datwagonlife
    '87 e30 325i "Tui" - she has her mother's eyes
  • blacksport325
    Wrencher
    • Sep 2010
    • 231

    #2
    Did you ever figure this out, mine is acting the same way

    Comment

    • BrooklynMW
      E30 Fanatic
      • Apr 2010
      • 1263

      #3
      Nope, not yet.

      But as a temporary solution, push on the plastic with your thumb. (don't tap it, but push it). The needle should drop into place, if only for a few seconds. At least you'll be able to tell if you'll need gas or not.
      '87 325i "Chewey" (RIP, my beloved)
      current:
      '01 e46 325iT "Dot" - #datwagonlife
      '87 e30 325i "Tui" - she has her mother's eyes

      Comment

      • KMOSES
        E30 Addict
        • May 2010
        • 591

        #4
        Mine was stuck on full also. I checked the sending unit with a digital meter and it was good. Replaced the fuel gauge today and everything is working fine. If you are replacing with a used gauge, make sure you get the correct one. The early gauge (up to 9/87) is for the 55L tank, after that you need the gauge for the 60L tank.

        Comment

        • blacksport325
          Wrencher
          • Sep 2010
          • 231

          #5
          I tried to push mine but it moves back to the same place it was before, I know for sure the gas tank isn't full...i'm checking the ground later today then I will be looking at maybe disassembling the gauge

          Comment

          • Gruelius
            Wrencher
            • Oct 2009
            • 298

            #6
            id love to be able to bury my head in the sand. best of luck.
            RIP 84 323i coupe 5spd w/ 14psi
            89' 318i

            Comment

            • george graves
              I waste 90% of my day here and all I got was this stupid title
              • Oct 2003
              • 19986

              #7
              Tighten the brass nuts on the back of the cluster. It fixes 90% of the problems.
              Originally posted by Matt-B
              hey does anyone know anyone who gets upset and makes electronics?

              Comment

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