Ever since I got my car the fuel gauge has been acting wacky. It never shows full or empty but does move around a bit. I have the cluster off and so I decided to take a look at it. The first thing I noticed was the gauge does not move freely like the other small gauges when I put pressure on the needle with my finger. Does anyone know if it is supposed to or is this gauge normally stiff? Anyone know of a way to test it? It has 3 screws that link up to the circuit board - is there a way I can put voltage across them to make the gauge move therefore testing whether it is the gauge movement or possibly the in tank sending unit?

TIA,

Shawn
www.3rdgenrx7.com

 

It's more likely to be the sending unit. I pulled the fuel pump last week, and the whole assy is pretty delicate. IMO, it would be more likely for that to break than only one of your 6 needles wearing out.

-BN

 

i highly doubt it is your needle in the display that is messed up. the fuel needle is different than all the other needles and stays exactly where you rotate it. in other words it does not return to a "0" position.

i would suggest checking the float in the gas tank to make sure it is still connected alright to the assembly. since you seem keen on electronics i might suggest the following. check what the resistance range for the sensor within the gas tank is when after you pull it out. stick a ohm meter between that pin and GND. if it seems to range linearly over the senders mechanical range it should be ok. i can't remember what the exact range of mine was though. i'm sure its between 0-10kohms though. if it doesn't seem right then get a variable resistor from radio shack and put that between the output pin and GND with the ignition on (engine not running of course) and see if changing that makes the needle move. it moves very slowly though.

-alwan16