Fuel Gage

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Savana Special, 2003 GMC Savana Camper Special, 2003 GMC Savana, 2003 Chevrolet RV Cutaway, and 2003 Chevrolet Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The IPC displays the fuel level on the analog fuel gage as determined by the PCM. The PCM monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor. When the fuel level sensor resistance is high, the fuel gage indicates full. When the fuel level sensor resistance is low, the fuel gage indicates empty. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the PCM indicating the filtered fuel level percent. The PCM uses 2 filters for the fuel level percent. The slow filter is used during normal operation. The fast filter is used when the engine is just started or when the vehicle is in Park or Neutral. The fast filter allows the fuel gage to reach the current fuel level quickly. The fuel gage defaults to empty when the following conditions occur:

The PCM detects a malfunction in the fuel level sensor circuit. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster .
The IPC detects a loss of class 2 communications with the PCM.

Reviewing the fuel system description will further explain how the system functions. Refer to:

FUEL SYSTEMS for 4.3L
FUEL SYSTEMS for 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.