When you fill your tank, the fuel gauge should indicate the quantity of fuel on your dashboard. Sometimes, the fuel gauge might show a full tank even if you have driven for more than 300 miles. If your fuel gauge fails to indicate completely or is stuck at the full fuel tank, it signals that the fuel gauge is not working as it is supposed to be and that you should replace it.

How a Fuel Gauge Works

There are fuel sensors that aid the fuel gauge in functioning effectively. It measures the voltage recorded by all sensors to determine the amount of fuel. The driver will be able to read such data in their dashboard. Fuel sensors have various components, such as the float switch, variable resistor, and a wiper. 

The sensing system is located in the fuel tank of your truck. It floats within the fuel tank, and the variable resistors are the crucial part that measures the correct amount of fuel.

What To Do When Fuel Gauge Is Not Working

A faulty fuel gauge will not give accurate readings of the amount of fuel in your tank. Consider doing the following. 

Self-Test

Self-test is the easiest step you should consider first. If your truck is the latest model, check the manufacturer’s guide on performing a self-test.

To succeed, consider undertaking a series of steps, such as turning on your headlights as you hold down the odometer button at the beginning. Doing this will test all the instrument panel gauges.

For older versions, you will have to perform a different procedure, like turning the ignition key on and off for three cycles. 

When performing this procedure, the fuel gauge should be moving. If it doesn’t move, conclude that there is a problem with your fuel gauge.

Fuses

Locate the fuse box cover and check the fuse condition for the fuel gauge. If you find the fuses are blown, consider replacing them. If the fuel gauge fuses are in good working condition, consider the condition of the fuel-sending unit.

Before checking the fuel gauge and the sending unit, perform a general check-up for your truck. You will find the fuel-sending unit under the security of four screws at the trunk of your truck. 

Sending Unit

To measure the fuel sending unit, you must fill your tank first and use a multimeter to test the resistance. For older truck models, you have to know how the gauge works. If the resistance reading is off by some ohms, then you have found the source of the problem. 

Gauges

It is simple to check the voltage of your gauges. Check your repair manual and follow the steps indicated to pull off the gauge. After pulling off the gauge, reset the multimeter to 20v direct current and test the wiring moving to the gauge to see whether it is receiving 12 volts. If the voltage is okay, then the gauge is having a problem.

Conclusion

It’s disappointing that your fuel gauge cannot give you the correct reading on the amount of fuel in your tank. Such a scenario might disappoint you, especially when your truck stalls in the middle of nowhere. Consider doing the above to troubleshoot fuel gauge issues. 

Resetting fuel gauges are some basic skills you should have as a truck owner. The fuel gauge is a significant component of your truck which gives you the actual amount of fuel in your tank. This component enables you to understand the rate at which your truck consumes fuel, and it will also help you to determine if the remaining fuel can sustain you up to the next filling station. In this guide, we will go through steps on how to fix the fuel gauge reading incorrectly.

Fuel Gauge Reading Incorrectly

A fuel gauge can be either digital or LCD, while others are analog. The fuel gauge has an indicator and sending units. When your truck’s fuel gauge is inaccurate, attribute it to a faulty sending unit. Here is an insight into what to do if your fuel gauge does not give accurate readings.

Steps To Follow When Resetting Fuel Gauge

Software or an electric malfunction makes your fuel gauge not give accurate readings of the fuel in your fuel tank. To solve the inaccurate fuel gauge reading problem, you have to revert it. The manufacturer’s guide usually gives the procedure for resetting your fuel gauge. But the reverting method is universal in all trucks. 

Follow the below steps to reset your fuel gauge. 

Turn On Your Ignition

Before performing this procedure, ensure your truck is parked on a plain surface and the handbrake is engaged. Please turn on the engine and let it run.

Put the Odometer Into ODO Mode

You will do this by pushing the trip/Odo button, the location of this button varies depending on the type of truck you have, but it is commonly located on the dashboard.

Turn the Ignition Off

You will have to perform this procedure several times, so you do not have to remove your key from the ignition. 

Press and Hold the Trip/Odo Button

While doing this, turn your keys on as you hold the button for around 2 seconds before releasing.

Press the Trip/Odo Button 3 times

Hold the Trip/Odo button on the third press for about 5 seconds. Release your hands as soon as the odometer displays the truck leveling information.

Press and Hold the Trip/Odo Button

At this point, only release your hand from the Trip/Odo button when the odometer says 1, which means that the resetting process has started. Keep holding the button as your fuel gauge resets. The resetting procedure comes to an end when the odometer moves to normal. At this point, you can release the Trip/Odo button and turn off your engine. 

Conclusion

Your truck fuel gauge is as equally important as other parts. You should ensure it is adequately maintained whenever it starts to malfunction. In a nutshell, it is necessary to know how to reset your fuel gauge.

When your fuel gauge functions correctly, you can know the exact quantity of fuel in your tank. A bad fuel gauge can give you wrong figures, and you might get stranded in a place where it is difficult to fuel your truck. 

To avoid inconveniences, consult your mechanic to help you fix a faulty fuel gauge. Troubleshooting fuel gauge issues on your own is cost-effective. You will only need to follow the above procedure.