The Fuel Gauge Is Not Working – Troubleshooting Truck Fuel Gauge

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. 

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