There are 4 reasons why your gas gauge doesn't work.
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Fuel gauge mechanisms are fairly easy to use.When the tank is almost empty and when it's full, they point to "E" and "F".Until it doesn't.You are left in the dark, guessing how many miles you can squeeze from the last drop of fuel before the car stops on the side of the road.
People don't know how that gauge goes up or down.Electricity is used to make it work.When the fuel gauge starts malfunctioning, this setup can cause some confusion.
The home mechanic can diagnose the problem at home with a little elbow grease and understanding of the wiring.The editors of the Drive want to give you the knowledge you need to get the job done so you don't have to pay the pros.
The fuel gauge shows the information that is conveyed from the fuel sending unit.An analog gauge will move a needle up and down across a dial while a digital gauge displays a number of bars that show how much fuel is left.The fuel light will illuminate when the tank is switched to its reserves.
The fuel sending unit has a float arm.The resistance to ground is changed when that arm moves up and down.The resistance is sent through the car's wiring and electronics to determine where the needle or digital gauge is located.When the tank is full, it has a high resistance and low resistance.
Depending on the location and access to the fuel gauge sending unit, it could be hours.
Underneath the hood, you will be testing electrical wiring and dealing with gasoline.Make sure you have the proper safety equipment and precautions in place to leave the garage in one piece.
If you organize your tools and gear so they are easy to reach, you will save precious time waiting for your helpers.You don't need a blowtorch for this job.Fire is bad when you add fuel.Please don't let your kid use a blowtorch.
You need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking.We aren't getting your ride out of the clink so check your local laws to make sure you're not violating any codes.
Check the health of your fuel gauge by finding the fuse.If it is blown, replace it.You have a different issue if your fuse is fine or if you still have problems after you replace it.
Testing procedures are built into most modern cars built after the early 1990s.They are usually activated with a combination of the light switch, trip button, and dashboard buttons.You can check your owner's manual for the specific code.The gauge is okay if you run the check and the needle circulates through its motions.
In the next section, learn how to use a multimeter to test your fuel gauge sending unit.These steps might not apply to your car, but they describe the general process.
We don't recommend it.Without knowing how much fuel you have, you could end up in a perilous situation yourself and create a dangerous situation for other people.
The fuel gauge sending unit is attached to the fuel tank.It could be integrated into the fuel pump.
A self-test/reset is what your car should have.If you want to know how to do it, check your owner's manual.
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