GMC Repair: Fuel gauge, fuel gauge, fuel meters

Question
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Followup To
Question -
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Followup To
Question -
The fuel gauge will never go below 3/4 full even when tank is empty. What do I need to replace?
Answer -
I need to know the YEAR, MAKE, MODEL and TYPE of gage that you have mechanical display or digital display ?.
Sorry, I thought the info was retained. 1997 GMC C-1500 Pickup with 4.3 L engine. Mechanical or dial type gauge in dash.

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Answer -
OK, You have a couple of possible faults that cause this problem:

1. the fuel gage on the dash is faulty.

2. The fuel meter in the fuel tank is faulty.

3. The wiring from the dash gage to the fuel meter in the fuel tank is faulty.

4. There is what is called a BAFFLE fastened within the fuel tank that looks sinilar to a plastic wash basin that you get when you are hospitalized. This plastic BAFFLE has several holes drilled in it and your fuel meter sits inside this baffle in order to prevent the rapid movement of the gas within the fuel tank as you turn and stop and accelerate. Without this baffle, the fuel gage reading would constantly fluctuate all the time.

There are numerous cases whereas this baffle comes loose from within the fuel tank and causes your fuel meter arm to get stuck on the baffle thus causing your gage problem.

If this is the case, You will have to replace the fuel tank as the baffle is NOT repairable.

GM has had numerous problems with their gages and fuel meters for many years.

You will need to test the gage on the dash and the fuel meter in the fuel tank to be POSITIVE that they are accurate.

If both test OK, It is most likely that the baffle has come loose and you would need remove the gas from the gas tank, and remove the gas tank from the vehicle, Remove the fuel meter from the gas tank and USING A FLASHLIGHT look into the fuel tank to see if the baffle is loose. If it is you will have to replace the gas atnk.

I do not have a staff of people helping me answer your questions, I do it all by my self, Therefore, Due to being retired and a 15 year old computer on a dial-up connection, I do my best to respond to questions within 3 to 4 hours due to the volume of questions I receive on a daily basis.


Retired in New Mexico
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What is the procedure for testing the dash gauge & the tank sending unit?
I suspect the baffle as this was a sudden occurance, but when clear empty gauge will read full. Thanks  

Answer
Their is SPECIAL TESTERS for dash gages and for fuel meter testing procedures. You can use a KNOWN GOOD QUALITY OHM METER, Not one of those $15.00 cheap ones to test the dash gage and the fuel meter but it is not as accurate as the above said special testers that your Chevy dealer uses.

As to the baffle, You will have to replace the fuel tank.

WARNING: Working with gasoline can be EXTREMLY DANGEROUS if done improperly.


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Richard,

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If you wish to express a written thank you you can use my personal e-mail address:


meperganfortis@msn.com


Please excuse the TYPO's as my computer is so old is does not even have a spell checker.


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