fuel gauge question...

[JAM]

so, my fuel level gauge doesn't work. well, i shouldnt say that. it jumps around, and reads random levels, either that or its on zero. but, my fuel level warning light works. it always comes on when im running out of gas. are there 2 diffrent fuel level sensors in the tank? is this a problem with the sensor in the tank, or with the actual cluster itself?

TIA

jam

[jlevie]

Could be either, or both. Does the gauge change position if you tap on the cluster? That would be an indication of a contact problem within the cluster (easily repaired). You can pull the sensor and check to see if its resistance smoothly changes with float motion.

[Jean]

The fuel level sender in my car atleast is 3 pins. The resistance is changing as the float in the sender moves up or down depending on your fuel level in the trunk, the other pin is more or less an ON and OFF switch when the fuel is really low.

Your problem might be a bad ground on the back of the fuel level gauge in the cluster. You can remove the cluster and make sure everything is nice and tight OR remove the back seat, remove the fuel level sender connector and see if the gauge is still reading funky levels. You can also test the gauge by shorting the pins, there is thread about it here.

[smithy318i]

so, my fuel level gauge doesn't work. well, i shouldnt say that. it jumps around, and reads random levels, either that or its on zero. but, my fuel level warning light works. it always comes on when im running out of gas. are there 2 diffrent fuel level sensors in the tank? is this a problem with the sensor in the tank, or with the actual cluster itself?

TIA

jam

This is a common problem with the instrument cluster.

There is a 7mm nut on the back of the guage which needs tightening. Simple as.

[wagonizzle]

^ I'm with this guy. Worked for me. Tighten the nut on the temp gauge while you're in there.