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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Electrical => Topic started by: anthony.cain.18 on October 08, 2014, 06:24:38 pm

Title: fuel gauge malfunction
Post by: anthony.cain.18 on October 08, 2014, 06:24:38 pm
Hey guys.. I have a 1985 GMC high sierra swb 3/4 ton. recently had fuel gauge failure and I did some trouble shooting and the fuel gauge was not the issue. I replaced the sending unit and now the gauge works but only goes to 1/4 when full.
Title: Re: fuel gauge malfunction
Post by: anthony.cain.18 on October 08, 2014, 06:27:38 pm
I've tried other gauges and they all do the same thing.
Title: Re: fuel gauge malfunction
Post by: rich weyand on October 08, 2014, 08:06:42 pm
Reading 1/4 at full means the resistor on the back of the gauge is open-circuit.

Here's one source:
https://www.classicmuscle.com/p-6237-fuel-gauge-resistor.aspx
Title: Re: fuel gauge malfunction
Post by: anthony.cain.18 on October 08, 2014, 09:03:42 pm
What does that mean ? Open circuit?
Title: Re: fuel gauge malfunction
Post by: rich weyand on October 08, 2014, 09:07:02 pm
The resistor is broken.
Title: Re: fuel gauge malfunction
Post by: anthony.cain.18 on October 08, 2014, 10:58:19 pm
On all the gauges I've tried even though they were working in the trucks I pulled them from?
Title: Re: fuel gauge malfunction
Post by: zieg85 on October 08, 2014, 11:07:11 pm
I don't know if this applies but I once had a 72 that did not have factory gauges, just had the indicator lights and the gauge fuse was blown, mine did the same thing about the 1/4 tank when full.
Title: Re: fuel gauge malfunction
Post by: bd on October 08, 2014, 11:27:01 pm
What does the gauge do if you unplug the sending unit with the key on?

Then what does the gauge do if you ground the gauge wire that connects to the sending unit?
Title: Re: fuel gauge malfunction
Post by: rich weyand on October 09, 2014, 12:52:26 am
On all the gauges I've tried even though they were working in the trucks I pulled them from?

If you used the same resistor on the back of the gauges, yes.

Do what bd said, and let us know.