Gas gauge not accurate

ANSWER : This is a problem likely related to your fuel tank sending unit. This is a small float type component inside your fuel tank that measures the level of the fuel inside the tank. As the fuel level drops, the float level changes and sends a signal to the car’s computer which then displays the reading on the fuel gauge in your dash. If you need assistance with this, I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose the issue and repair your fuel sending unit as necessary.

ANSWER : Hi. It sounds like your instrument panel cluster or IPC needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Over time, the bulbs eventually burn out as do the bulbs in your lights at home. The gauge’s movement is controlled by an electronic stepper motor that receives input from the sensors. More often than not, the signals are good, but the stepper motor no longer moves. This can be checked with the use of a high end scan tool that has functional testing of each gauge within the IPC. If the needle doesn’t move when commanded, then the stepper motor is bad. Consequently, if the needles don’t move when commanded, the sensor or wiring is bad.

I suggest having a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect the electrical components in your vehicle to see what is occurring.

ANSWER : The most common cause of this type of problem is when the fuel filler neck’s inner tube comes off of the neck itself. You will need to have the filler neck removed to check to see if the inner tube was knocked off from someone trying to get fuel out of tank with a siphon hose and managed to knock the hose off. This causes the tank to not get filled properly and the inner hose can get caught in the fuel sender causing wrong readings.

If you’d like to get this fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can help you service your fuel filler neck and ensure that your fuel gauge functions normally. Good luck.

ANSWER : Thank you for asking about your 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 HD. More than likely, the problem is the fuel sensor, which is built into the fuel sending unit. This assembly is mounted in the gas tank. This is a common problem with vehicles like yours. Symptoms include incorrect fuel gauge readings and an illuminated Check Engine Light. I recommend having a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect this problem and replace the fuel sensor if necessary.

ANSWER : The best thing to do is check all the fuses. It is entirely possible you have blown more than one fuse as well some fuses supply power to other fuses. I rarely look up the location of a fuse in an information system as this sort of information has a high rate of inaccuracy. Most vehicles will have a panel that labels each fuse anyhow. This will always be far more accurate. If you find any blown fuses, no matter what they power, replace them.

The best way to test a fuse is with a test light. This will enable you to check them all quickly. Spade style fuses have metal exposed on the back side that you can quickly test them without removing them one at a time.

Often times, fuses will power multiple systems. If you suspect the tail lights are not working, simply test them. If you should replace the fuses and it blows again, disconnect the stereo and see if the problem persists. Definitely double check the supplied wiring diagram with the stereo and I strongly suggest getting a hold of a factory diagram for your car so you can make sure you are indeed connecting to the correct circuits.

If you should need further assistance, I recommend having an expert inspect the electrical system for you in order to pinpoint the right fix.

ANSWER : You’re guess of the fuel sending unit is a good one. The sending unit is a variable resistor, that changes its internal resistance according to fuel level. This information is then sent as an input to the powertrain control module (PCM), which shares this it with the instrument cluster over the communication bus. The sending unit is part of the fuel pump and the two must be replaced as a unit. To determine for certain whether the sending unit is at fault, I recommend having your vehicle’s gauge inspected firsthand by a professional.

ANSWER : You will need to test the computer to scan for data of the temperature sensor to see if the computer is reading the correct temperature as tested externally on the coolant sensor. If the sensor is not accurate then replace the sender. If the sender is accurate then you will need to have the temperature gauge replaced.

ANSWER : Hi there. The dashboard lights are burned out in the dash and the dimmer switch could be worn causing the lights to be weak. The gauges that seldom fail to work is most likely a loose wire in the dash panel. The fuel gauge that is not going to E when shutting off the car has a damaged rheostat within the sending unit. The sending unit is in the fuel tank attached to the fuel pump. If you need further assistance with your gauges not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.