gas gauge needle... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

East End K5 · 07-17-2009, 09:31 AM

Any other ideas on the gas gauge needle bouncing around when driving other than possibly a bad ground?

83burban · 07-17-2009, 11:34 AM

How badly does it bounce. Mine moves when I drive...but I think that's just because the fuel is sloshing around. Goes up a little when accelerating, down when braking, down when turning right and up when turning left.

East End K5 · 07-17-2009, 11:51 AM

yes exactly....maybe it's just me. Hafta realize I'm driving an 86, thought the needle would be a bit more stable that's all....

**old Rusty C10** · 07-17-2009, 11:51 AM

ive had this happen on several of my trucks and in each instance it was a bad ground. If its not that its prolly the sender itself

East End K5 · 07-17-2009, 11:58 AM

yeah, it's a new tank and sender.....

83burban · 07-17-2009, 11:59 AM

I drive an 83 so so I hear you about the gas gauge. I have always though the sender was a little worn out...just because it the tank will always have more fuel than indicated and the gauge will deplete faster when it is fuller if that makes sense.

TexasJeff · 07-17-2009, 12:11 PM

These trucks had always been bad about gas guages, one of the worst problems it is stays on the full side of a half tank forever, then once it gets to that half tank mark it seems to drop like a rock to emtpy. I am sure you problem can be traced back to the gas sloshing around the tank when driving, there are really not enough baffles in these old tanks.

**78 Big10 454** · 07-17-2009, 03:15 PM

East End, I had the same problem with my truck. Found a wire from the tank to the sending unit that had worn insulation and was grounding out to the frame. It was on the passenger side, right below the passenger-side door. Trace the wire to see if you might have the same problem.

fiyaweed06 · 07-17-2009, 05:30 PM

mines doing the same thing its just in gear though in park its fine cant for the life of me find out the problem,where do you check grounds at the tank or at the guage.

Chad71 · 07-17-2009, 05:36 PM

I dont think i have ever has a chevy where the gas needle doesnt move, hell even my brand new Chevy work van does.

79gmcc15 · 07-17-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasJeff

These trucks had always been bad about gas guages, one of the worst problems it is stays on the full side of a half tank forever, then once it gets to that half tank mark it seems to drop like a rock to emtpy. I am sure you problem can be traced back to the gas sloshing around the tank when driving, there are really not enough baffles in these old tanks.

I have seen this happen to every car I have owned. from the truck to my 04 intrepid. it is kind of annoying! lol

fiyaweed06 · 07-17-2009, 10:53 PM

ok can someone explain this to me, when i have my switch in the on position, when i rock or shake my truck thats when the needle gets bouncy does this sound like a ground or something else.

East End K5 · 07-18-2009, 09:29 AM

Wiring is good, I'm an electrician so, one of the first things I did was beef up grounds, replace and fix all bad wiring. Maybe just normal operating procedure for the gauge and needle...I replaced the gauge as well, just get concerned when the tank reads 1/8 full and its bouncing around towards the big "E"...

68 TT · 07-19-2009, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasJeff

These trucks had always been bad about gas guages, one of the worst problems it is stays on the full side of a half tank forever, then once it gets to that half tank mark it seems to drop like a rock to emtpy. I am sure you problem can be traced back to the gas sloshing around the tank when driving, there are really not enough baffles in these old tanks.

The progressive fuel gauge is not a problem with the sender. It was intentionally done that way by GM.

They think it makes people feel like they are getting better gas mileage than they really are since most people fill up at half a tank. How stupid do they think we are?

I would much rather know how much fuel is in my tank.

Green77c10 · 07-24-2009, 12:18 AM

I have the same problem, i just eye ball it, and assume that i have right in the middle between the high and the low swing lol. Now if i could just figure out why my speedo does that once I hit 50....

3r!c84 · 07-24-2009, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green77c10

I have the same problem, i just eye ball it, and assume that i have right in the middle between the high and the low swing lol. Now if i could just figure out why my speedo does that once I hit 50....

do your gas gauge move when the tank is full.maby its the fuel moving around in the tank? the speedo change out your speed gear,

vtwinsport · 07-24-2009, 08:49 AM

for what its worth, i have a new autometer gauge and new sending unit, with a new ground and new sending lead wire and my needle moves when the truck moves sharply.
And, its off by a 1/4 - its a quarter over full to be full, full is 3/4, half is 1/4 and 1/4 is empty. Found that out when I ran out of gas in rush hour.

68 TT · 07-24-2009, 10:26 AM

You need to make sure you have the GM 0 to 90 ohm range version of the Auto Meter fuel level gauge or the matching sending unit if the ohm range is different. It sounds like the gauge isn't getting the proper ohm's to read right.

If the sending unit & gauge match then one or the other is most likely defective. Auto Meter is very good about repairing gauges. Give them a call and explain the issues. They may be able to give you some suggestions as to what is wrong too.

vtwinsport · 07-26-2009, 11:24 AM

Thanks 68tt. did that and test on guage was fine. It is a 0-90 unit. Sender could be acting up as it sometimes acts like it stuck. These senders seem pretty cheap.

07-17-2009, 09:31 AM	#1
East End K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 293	gas gauge needle... Any other ideas on the gas gauge needle bouncing around when driving other than possibly a bad ground? __________________ I feel sorry for people who don't drink....because when they wake up in the morning, that's the best they're gonna feel all day long!---Frank Sinatra RIP [B]1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer RIP 1986 GMC Sierra K3500 1TON, Long Box, V8350 RIP 1980 Chevy Silverado C30 Cab and Chassis, 454 TH400HD. RIP [B] 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe 2D [B]

07-17-2009, 11:34 AM	#2
83burban Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: la Posts: 345	Re: gas gauge needle... How badly does it bounce. Mine moves when I drive...but I think that's just because the fuel is sloshing around. Goes up a little when accelerating, down when braking, down when turning right and up when turning left.

07-17-2009, 11:51 AM	#3
East End K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 293	Re: gas gauge needle... yes exactly....maybe it's just me. Hafta realize I'm driving an 86, thought the needle would be a bit more stable that's all.... __________________ I feel sorry for people who don't drink....because when they wake up in the morning, that's the best they're gonna feel all day long!---Frank Sinatra RIP [B]1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer RIP 1986 GMC Sierra K3500 1TON, Long Box, V8350 RIP 1980 Chevy Silverado C30 Cab and Chassis, 454 TH400HD. RIP [B] 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe 2D [B]

07-17-2009, 11:51 AM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: gas gauge needle... ive had this happen on several of my trucks and in each instance it was a bad ground. If its not that its prolly the sender itself __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

07-17-2009, 11:58 AM	#5
East End K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 293	Re: gas gauge needle... yeah, it's a new tank and sender..... __________________ I feel sorry for people who don't drink....because when they wake up in the morning, that's the best they're gonna feel all day long!---Frank Sinatra RIP [B]1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer RIP 1986 GMC Sierra K3500 1TON, Long Box, V8350 RIP 1980 Chevy Silverado C30 Cab and Chassis, 454 TH400HD. RIP [B] 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe 2D [B]

07-17-2009, 11:59 AM	#6
83burban Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: la Posts: 345	Re: gas gauge needle... I drive an 83 so so I hear you about the gas gauge. I have always though the sender was a little worn out...just because it the tank will always have more fuel than indicated and the gauge will deplete faster when it is fuller if that makes sense.

07-17-2009, 12:11 PM	#7
TexasJeff Don't Crush em Restore em Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Pinehurst, Texas Posts: 764	Re: gas gauge needle... These trucks had always been bad about gas guages, one of the worst problems it is stays on the full side of a half tank forever, then once it gets to that half tank mark it seems to drop like a rock to emtpy. I am sure you problem can be traced back to the gas sloshing around the tank when driving, there are really not enough baffles in these old tanks. __________________ TexasJeff 2009 Silver with Linen Interior Cadillac DTS 1990 Red with White Top and Interior Ford Mustang GT convertible 1998 Red with Gray Interior, C3500 Chevy Crew Cab Dually

07-17-2009, 03:15 PM	#8
78 Big10 454 78 Big10 454 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Posts: 839	Re: gas gauge needle... East End, I had the same problem with my truck. Found a wire from the tank to the sending unit that had worn insulation and was grounding out to the frame. It was on the passenger side, right below the passenger-side door. Trace the wire to see if you might have the same problem.

07-17-2009, 05:30 PM	#9
fiyaweed06 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: tuscaloosa alabama Posts: 101	Re: gas gauge needle... mines doing the same thing its just in gear though in park its fine cant for the life of me find out the problem,where do you check grounds at the tank or at the guage.

07-17-2009, 05:36 PM	#10
Chad71 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hamilton Ohio Posts: 50	Re: gas gauge needle... I dont think i have ever has a chevy where the gas needle doesnt move, hell even my brand new Chevy work van does. __________________ 1971 Chevorlet Custom Deluxe C10 2007 Chevorlet HHR- lots of mods

07-17-2009, 10:53 PM	#12
fiyaweed06 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: tuscaloosa alabama Posts: 101	Re: gas gauge needle... ok can someone explain this to me, when i have my switch in the on position, when i rock or shake my truck thats when the needle gets bouncy does this sound like a ground or something else.

07-18-2009, 09:29 AM	#13
East End K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 293	Re: gas gauge needle... Wiring is good, I'm an electrician so, one of the first things I did was beef up grounds, replace and fix all bad wiring. Maybe just normal operating procedure for the gauge and needle...I replaced the gauge as well, just get concerned when the tank reads 1/8 full and its bouncing around towards the big "E"... __________________ I feel sorry for people who don't drink....because when they wake up in the morning, that's the best they're gonna feel all day long!---Frank Sinatra RIP [B]1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer RIP 1986 GMC Sierra K3500 1TON, Long Box, V8350 RIP 1980 Chevy Silverado C30 Cab and Chassis, 454 TH400HD. RIP [B] 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe 2D [B]

07-24-2009, 12:18 AM	#15
Green77c10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 70	Re: gas gauge needle... I have the same problem, i just eye ball it, and assume that i have right in the middle between the high and the low swing lol. Now if i could just figure out why my speedo does that once I hit 50....

07-24-2009, 08:49 AM	#17
vtwinsport Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: edmonton, alberta Posts: 293	Re: gas gauge needle... for what its worth, i have a new autometer gauge and new sending unit, with a new ground and new sending lead wire and my needle moves when the truck moves sharply. And, its off by a 1/4 - its a quarter over full to be full, full is 3/4, half is 1/4 and 1/4 is empty. Found that out when I ran out of gas in rush hour. __________________ 76 Silverado, 2wd, long box, 350/th350, 3.42 posi, edelbrock performer 64cc heads, edelbrock 1405, 2101 intake, Hedman Headers, Comp Cam XE262 http://beerbreadbike.wordpress.com/

07-24-2009, 10:26 AM	#18
68 TT Still plays with trucks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,556	Re: gas gauge needle... You need to make sure you have the GM 0 to 90 ohm range version of the Auto Meter fuel level gauge or the matching sending unit if the ohm range is different. It sounds like the gauge isn't getting the proper ohm's to read right. If the sending unit & gauge match then one or the other is most likely defective. Auto Meter is very good about repairing gauges. Give them a call and explain the issues. They may be able to give you some suggestions as to what is wrong too.



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07-26-2009, 11:24 AM	#19
vtwinsport Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: edmonton, alberta Posts: 293	Re: gas gauge needle... Thanks 68tt. did that and test on guage was fine. It is a 0-90 unit. Sender could be acting up as it sometimes acts like it stuck. These senders seem pretty cheap. __________________ 76 Silverado, 2wd, long box, 350/th350, 3.42 posi, edelbrock performer 64cc heads, edelbrock 1405, 2101 intake, Hedman Headers, Comp Cam XE262 http://beerbreadbike.wordpress.com/ Last edited by vtwinsport; 07-26-2009 at 11:25 AM.

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