I have been searching all over the internet trying to find a way to troubleshoot my fuel needle jumping around (from full to 3/4, to E, all quickly). I read yesterday about the ground wire is a possible fix. I was wondering if the ground wire doesn't fix it (I am going to test it in the morning), if there is any way to troubleshoot if its the gauges, or its the sending unit. I don't want to replace one, and it be another.
Fuel Gauge
- Thread starter klownish
- Start date
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SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
More vehicle info please?
Diller
Full Access Member
Bad gauge cluster. Just replaced my pump/module (not for this reason), and it did not correct my flutteringfuel gauge.
I may have a line on an Escalade cluster for the old '99
BlkYukon95
Member
Mine also goes from full to 3/4 to E pretty quickly also. I didnt know I could fix this so easily! This is so much easier than driving slower, installing e-fans, and small tires! 
AtomicHoe094
Atomichoe094
it could be a lot of things like said.. ground wire, sending unit, bad gauge cluster.. you just need to work your way around them.
Bad gauge cluster. Just replaced my pump/module (not for this reason), and it did not correct my flutteringfuel gauge.
I may have a line on an Escalade cluster for the old '99
I've heard it could be the PCM or the stepper motor as well. But if it isn't hurting anything then I'll leave it for now.
Diller
Full Access Member
The stepper motor would be located on the cluster.
SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
Try this if you can. If that does not show any thing definite disconnect and stick on an ohmmeter on your sender. Should be 0 when full and 90 ohms when empty. As your driving try and see if it fuctuates badly if so then there you go.
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SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
I forgot to mention this as well. for 1995-1997.
File In Section: 8 - Chassis/Body Electrical
Bulletin No.: 76-83-05
Date: September, 1997
Subject:
Excessive Fuel Gauge Fluctuation
(Install Fuel Level Damper Kit)
Models:
1995-97 Chevrolet and GMC C/K 4 Door Utility Models Condition
Some owners may comment about excessive fuel gauge needle fluctuation when making turns or braking with less than a half tank of fuel.
Correction
Install fuel level damper module kit P/N 12167652 following the procedure described on the instruction sheets included with the kit.
Parts Information
P/N Description Qty
12167652 Module Kit, Fuel Level Damper 1
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Op Description Labor Time
N4844 Module, Anti-slosh - Install 0.8 hr
Important : Labor operation is coded to base vehicle coverage in the warranty system.
File In Section: 8 - Chassis/Body Electrical
Bulletin No.: 76-83-05
Date: September, 1997
Subject:
Excessive Fuel Gauge Fluctuation
(Install Fuel Level Damper Kit)
Models:
1995-97 Chevrolet and GMC C/K 4 Door Utility Models Condition
Some owners may comment about excessive fuel gauge needle fluctuation when making turns or braking with less than a half tank of fuel.
Correction
Install fuel level damper module kit P/N 12167652 following the procedure described on the instruction sheets included with the kit.
Parts Information
P/N Description Qty
12167652 Module Kit, Fuel Level Damper 1
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Op Description Labor Time
N4844 Module, Anti-slosh - Install 0.8 hr
Important : Labor operation is coded to base vehicle coverage in the warranty system.
Mine changes regardless of the fuel amount. Full, half, or empty.
---------- Post added at 03:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:45 PM ----------
ugh, hit send too quick, wasnt thinking. But, could this still solve my problem, or is it more than likely the ground wire, cluster, or the sending unit?
---------- Post added at 03:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:45 PM ----------
ugh, hit send too quick, wasnt thinking. But, could this still solve my problem, or is it more than likely the ground wire, cluster, or the sending unit?
SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
I would attack that diag chart first. if a failure is there I might condider the connector upgrade if it is proving it is not the sender or gauge by itself itself and the old connector shows damage. At last resort I would go for the gas gauge circuit buffer kit I don't have any tech details on the buffer kit then to say it costs about $100.
Last edited:
I know its been awhile since I posted this, but I'm finally getting around to troubleshooting the issue (moved, and had to set up a house and such). On the diagram, where is the wire it is telling me to disconnect? I found the ground wire, but it looks like I have to drop the tank to get to the other wire. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
test 1 is the connector at the fuel pump.
test 2 is the cavity plug on the back of your gauges.
test 2 is the cavity plug on the back of your gauges.
hyundaitech
TYF Newbie
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2011
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Fuel Gauge not working at all
1997 Chevrolet Tahoe my fuel gauge use to just spin in complete circles now it just sits in one spot, i have been checking the wiring i have replaced the whole fuel pump module and plugin, and i have checked the purple and when the cluster is in or the gauge fuse is in it has a reading of 8 volts-and no ohms, i can remove the cluster or the fuse and it will read the correct ohms, i have even hooked up an aftermarket fuel gauge and same results, with the fuse and cluster in it does not read it acts crazy, but with either the gauge fuse out or the cluster taken out, the aftermarket gauge reads correctly, i have even installed another cluster with the same results. please help..
1997 Chevrolet Tahoe my fuel gauge use to just spin in complete circles now it just sits in one spot, i have been checking the wiring i have replaced the whole fuel pump module and plugin, and i have checked the purple and when the cluster is in or the gauge fuse is in it has a reading of 8 volts-and no ohms, i can remove the cluster or the fuse and it will read the correct ohms, i have even hooked up an aftermarket fuel gauge and same results, with the fuse and cluster in it does not read it acts crazy, but with either the gauge fuse out or the cluster taken out, the aftermarket gauge reads correctly, i have even installed another cluster with the same results. please help..
