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I have a 2003 GMC Sierra truck. I filled the tank full... and the gas gauge (as I am driving) would go to empty for a while, then jump to full.. then back to empty, etc. A few days later, it is now stuck on full and I know for a fact it isn't full.
Does anyone know what the problem might be or anything I should check on it?
My first bet is a loose or corroded ground wire on the sending unit. There is usually a float type gauge in the tank which sends an electric signal to the gauge in the dashboard. If the dash gauge is erratic in such a way my first guess is something electrical.
If I remember right, the gauge runs on a "no resistance-F" and "full resistance-E" method. Meaning if the sending unit wire popped off and somehow grounded itself to the frame of the vehicle it would read full all of the time because it's telling the gauge there's no resistance.
I'd check the sending unit wire and make sure it's still connected and not grounding itself on anything, then after that I'd check the sending unit itself.
There may also be an erratic voltage control unit for your gauges. This may be beyond fixing without needing some test instruments and a little knowledge.
I will pass this information on to my boyfriend and have him check what you guys are telling me. Hopefully we can fix it and not have to take it in to a shop. Thanks so much!
As well as instrument clusters. I work in a GM dealership (parts dept) and hear this stuff all the time. Without pulling a code, you can throw a lot of money at it without getting it right...
My first bet is a loose or corroded ground wire on the sending unit. There is usually a float type gauge in the tank which sends an electric signal to the gauge in the dashboard. If the dash gauge is erratic in such a way my first guess is something electrical.
no dought this is what it probably is, i had this happen in 3 different vehicles. great advice...check it out..
As well as instrument clusters. I work in a GM dealership (parts dept) and hear this stuff all the time. Without pulling a code, you can throw a lot of money at it without getting it right...
A few years back I was driving along in my 2002 Regal, minding my own business when all the dials started spinning as if I were doing a UFO movie take.
A few seconds of that, and then everything dropped dead. No instruments. I'm glad I wasn't at 30,000 feet.
The car was running fine. Just no gauges.
I popped the hood and yes, the engine was still there.
They replaced the whole cluster. The dealer in Derry, NH, fought me all the way, despite the fact that I had the GM Certified Used 39/39 warranty, had shown the paperwork to them, and had had it in there for service a couple of times. It was nice of them to add a couple of thousand miles, so the warranty was almost gone.
I sold the car and bought an Accord.
Nice work, Buick dealer. It seemed that customers just weren't important to them.
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great advice
