Fuel Gauge Inaccurate Or Inoperative: Testing
- If instrument cluster diagnostic system check has been performed, go to next step. If instrument cluster diagnostic system check has not been performed, go to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
- Access and disconnect fuel level sender. See Figure . Connect the Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester (J33431-C) between fuel level sender connector terminals "A" (Purple wire) and "B" (Black/White wire). Turn ignition on. Vary resistance on signal generator and instrument panel tester from 40-250 ohms. Use fuel level conversion table to convert resistance to fuel gauge actual display. See FUEL LEVEL SPECIFICATIONS table. If fuel gauge does not display correct fuel level, go to next step. If fuel gauge display correct fuel level, go to step 4 .
- Turn ignition off. Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). See Figure . Turn ignition on. Select Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ENHANCED EVAP data list. Monitor FUEL LEVEL % parameter. Vary resistance on Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester from 40-250 ohms. Use fuel level conversion table to convert resistance to fuel gauge actual display. See FUEL LEVEL SPECIFICATIONS table. If FUEL LEVEL % parameter does not indicate correct fuel level percent, go to step 5 . If FUEL LEVEL % parameter indicates correct fuel level percent, go to step 11 .
- Check for poor connections at fuel level sender connector. Check for damaged or deformed fuel tank. If connections and fuel tank are okay, go to step 7 . If faulty connections are found or fuel tank is replaced, go to step 13 .
- Check for high resistance in Purple wire between Powertrain Control Module (PCM) connector C2 terminal No. 72 and fuel level sender connector terminal "A". See Fig 1 . If circuit is okay, go to next step. If faulty circuit is found and repaired, go to step 13 .
- Check for high resistance in Black/White and Black wire between PCM connector C2 terminal No. 13 and fuel level sender connector terminal "B". If circuit is okay, go to step 9 . If faulty circuit is found and repaired, go to step 13 .
- Remove fuel level sender. See FUEL LEVEL SENDER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Check for stuck fuel level sender or foreign material in gas tank. If fault is not found, go to next step. If fault is found, repair as necessary and go to step 13 .
- Using DVOM, measure resistance between fuel level sender terminals while moving float arm. Compare DVOM readings to fuel level sender specifications. See FUEL LEVEL SPECIFICATIONS table. If resistance change is smooth across specified range, go to DIAGNOSTIC AIDS . If resistance change is not smooth across specified range, go to step 10 .
- Check for poor connections at PCM connector C2. If connections are okay, go to step 12 . If faulty connections are found and repaired, go to step 13 .
- Replace fuel level sender. After repairs, go to step 13 .
- Replace Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). See INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repairs, go to step 13 .
- Replace PCM. See appropriate REMOVAL, OVERHAUL & INSTALLATION article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE. After repairs, go to next step.
- Recheck fuel gauge operation. If fuel gauge operates properly, repair is complete. If fuel gauge does not operate properly, go to step 2 .
FUEL LEVEL SPECIFICATIONS
| Gauge Reading | Resistance (Ohms) | Amount of Fuel (%) | Amount of Fuel (Gallons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | 40-72 | 0-10 | 0-2 |
| 1/4 | 128 | 32 | 6 |
| 1/2 | 168 | 54 | 10 |
| 3/4 | 206 | 75 | 14 |
| F | 234-250 | 91-100 | 17.0-18.5 |
| Low Fuel Indicator On | 94 | 16 | 3 |
| Low Fuel Indicator Off | 100 | 18 | 3.5 |