Fuel gauge issue

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Chughart

Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2021
Posts
58
Reaction score
48
Hey guys I have a slight problem, I was driving on my way home from work and the low fuel light came on and the gauge is pegged to empty it had about 3/4 of a tank before the gauge died. Is there any common issue with this other then the pump assembly? It runs fine just the gauge is dead. Also if I turn it off and back on the gauge doesn’t even move. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, chris
 

Fless

Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
10,252
Reaction score
20,311
Location
Elev 5,280
Consider putting your year/make/model in your signature so we know what you're driving. Otherwise put it in each of your posts.

Nonfunctioning or malfunctioning gauges in these model years is generally due to bad gauge stepper motors. Each gauge has one. If the low fuel light extinguishes when you add gas then it's likely the gauge's stepper motor is bad. Numerous places do gauge repair and, if you're somewhat handy, it can be a DIY project.
 
OP
OP
C

Chughart

Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2021
Posts
58
Reaction score
48
Oops my bad lol it’s an 02 Tahoe lt flex fuel. I plan on checking it tomorrow But didn’t know if it more likely be the pump unit or the gauge
 

Fless

Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
10,252
Reaction score
20,311
Location
Elev 5,280
As another test you could use a scan tool to view the reported fuel level; that's independent of what the gauge shows. But if you're able to add 20 gallons or so into the tank after the low fuel light comes on, then the gauge or its cluster circuit is likely faulty. The low fuel light is not driven by the gauge.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
C

Chughart

Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2021
Posts
58
Reaction score
48
it has about 3/4 of a tank of gas in it. i got in it this morning and the gauge now works? so if it happens again then i will check it with a scan tool and see what it says. im just hoping it isnt the sending unit in the tank cause the stepper motor in the gauge is cheaper and easier then the in tank pump lol. but i will keep you guys posted on what happens.
 

afpj

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2009
Posts
779
Reaction score
308
Consider putting some Techron fuel system cleaner through there for a couple of tanks, starting with your 3/4 tank now…maybe there’s some varnish or other gunk thats making the float “sticky”, although one would think it sticks in the fuller position. Total WAG… At any rate, it couldn’t hurt.
 

treehan77

TYF Fiend
Joined
Feb 1, 2015
Posts
1,394
Reaction score
1,132
Location
Crestview, FL
Mine would do all kinds of weird stuff intermittently. Say 1/4 when 3/4 full of parked one way, the opposite parked the other way. Even Pegged empty when full driving down the highway etc. only when I put in a new fuel pump, it was fixed
 

rockola1971

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2016
Posts
2,376
Reaction score
2,972
Location
Indiana (formerly IL)
Mine would do all kinds of weird stuff intermittently. Say 1/4 when 3/4 full of parked one way, the opposite parked the other way. Even Pegged empty when full driving down the highway etc. only when I put in a new fuel pump, it was fixed
The fuel pump itself has nothing to do with the fuel gauge operation. Its the fuel level sensor which the float is connected to that provides the signal to the fuel gauge. You do get a new fuel level sensor when you buy a complete new fuel pump module assembly.

I would check with a scanner to see what the fuel level sensor is reporting and compare to what the gauge is showing. Whichever one is incorrect is the problem child. The fuel gauge "at fault" could be a bad steppr motor which drives the needle for the fuel gauge or there could be silver migration bridging traces on the circuit board of the instrument cluster or a simple busted solder joint on the board of the instrument cluster.
 

treehan77

TYF Fiend
Joined
Feb 1, 2015
Posts
1,394
Reaction score
1,132
Location
Crestview, FL
Yeah, that’s why it started working… I don’t think anybody is just gonna change out the level sensor only.
 

afpj

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2009
Posts
779
Reaction score
308
For the 2002 Tahoe 5.3 FF 4x4, The low fuel light activates via the sending unit, and is independent of the cluster gauge correct? if the sender unit is functioning properly with gas in the tank, but the gauge (stepper motor) is dead, you can have the gauge read empty but the fuel light will not light up with sufficient gas in the tank?

my mechanic said voltage from sender is good…thinks gauge is on its way out, but I question where the low fuel light trigger is from. appreciate any clarification.
 
Last edited:

Forum statistics

Threads
128,801
Posts
1,805,612
Members
91,783
Latest member
Banjomatic
Top