Auto Electronics: Fuel Gauge After Battery Replacement, olds cutlass, chevy malibu

Question
Hi, I just replaced the battery in an old '97 Olds Cutlass and notice that the fuel gauge in on the "wrong side" of the pin; that is, it's below the pin and can't move. This also happened many years ago when a battery was replaced, but I don't recall how it was fixed.
Any suggestions?
Thanks much!

Answer
Hello Ron,

This is a common problem due to a poorly designed instrument cluster in the 97 and 98 Olds Cutlass and Chevy Malibu.

Chevrolet released a TSB )Technical Service Bulletin) on how to correct this problem, follow the steps below.

One the instrument cluster you will see the hole for the Trip meter reset, using a wire or paperclip, carefully and gently insert the wire or clip into this hole and gently push the needle COUNTER CLOCKWISE until it rests in the proper position on the pin.  Be careful not to damage the gauge itself with the wire or clip as if you do you will need to replace the whole instrument cluster.

My Notes on this:


TSB 03-08-49-015 says to use a paper clip and very cafefully insert it into the trip reset hole and turn the needle counter clockwise to put the needle back on the other side of the stop. Be very careful or you will need to replace the gauge.

You need to push (wind)the needle back counter clockwise over the top so the needle is resting on the top of the stop pin.

To accomplish this you can either remove the instrument module (lots of work)or very gently go into the plastic instrument face with a wire through the little hole for the trip mileage and push the needle back around counter clockwise, until it gets to the top and falls down to the correct side of the stop pin.

Be careful with the wire or paper clip so as not to damage the plastic lens or the needle.  Make sure the key is in the "off" position.

The TSB states that this happens when the battery is replaced WITH the ignition key in the ON position however that is evidently their excuse for a badly designed unit.  It definitely happens with the key off also, i know because i have personally seen it happen.

Having had to do this repair myself i have found after many attempts that a large paper clip - opened with one end bent over double - making it more substantial, was the secret to pushing the needle around.   

Good Question.

Good Luck, please keep me informed of your progress and how you make out with this.

Thank you