bouncing fuel guage

rwhite65 · 10-10-2006, 01:21 AM

Ever since I bought my car 12 years ago, my gas gauge has bounced. It will show empty usually when I first turn it on, but as I drive it for a while, it will bounce all over the place, then finally come to the amount it actually has. I think the gauge is actually accurate, because it will eventually show full when it is, and I have ran it down quite low before as a test also.

Even though it works after a while, sometimes it will just start bouncing again for no reason. I have never been an electrical genius, although I have been getting better as of late. Any suggestions? Sometimes flicking the gauge with a finger nail helps, although not always. I am replacing all the gauges next summer, but thought if there were any tests I could do I would do them now for the experience.

Thanks
Ryan

Phillyfanfrombirth · 10-10-2006, 10:13 AM

Pull off the electrical connection at the tank... and take a small alligator clip and connect the two connectors.

Turn the key to the "on" position...

Your gauge should immediately show that it is completely full... disconnect, and it should show that it is completely empty.

This should at least give you an idea if there is a problem with the connection or the sending unit... if it still acts the same, then you're probably looking at a connection in the dash or gauge itself.

stanger66 · 10-11-2006, 04:40 PM

what if the gauge stays at fuel all the time with key in on position and goes to empty when off and tank is half full or so. I have replaced the sending unit and the ivr so do I have to change my gauge or electrical problem actually the speedo and volts only work on dash.

five0guy · 04-08-2007, 09:04 PM

I have the same problem. My gauge always shows full, I have been told to change the sending unit. But that is an expensive swap if its not the problem.

10-10-2006, 01:21 AM	#1
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	bouncing fuel guage Ever since I bought my car 12 years ago, my gas gauge has bounced. It will show empty usually when I first turn it on, but as I drive it for a while, it will bounce all over the place, then finally come to the amount it actually has. I think the gauge is actually accurate, because it will eventually show full when it is, and I have ran it down quite low before as a test also. Even though it works after a while, sometimes it will just start bouncing again for no reason. I have never been an electrical genius, although I have been getting better as of late. Any suggestions? Sometimes flicking the gauge with a finger nail helps, although not always. I am replacing all the gauges next summer, but thought if there were any tests I could do I would do them now for the experience. Thanks Ryan __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

10-10-2006, 10:13 AM	#2
Phillyfanfrombirth Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: South Central PA Posts: 358	Re: bouncing fuel guage Pull off the electrical connection at the tank... and take a small alligator clip and connect the two connectors. Turn the key to the "on" position... Your gauge should immediately show that it is completely full... disconnect, and it should show that it is completely empty. This should at least give you an idea if there is a problem with the connection or the sending unit... if it still acts the same, then you're probably looking at a connection in the dash or gauge itself.

10-11-2006, 04:40 PM	#3
stanger66 dreaming about mustangs Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: laurel, md Posts: 178	Re: bouncing fuel guage what if the gauge stays at fuel all the time with key in on position and goes to empty when off and tank is half full or so. I have replaced the sending unit and the ivr so do I have to change my gauge or electrical problem actually the speedo and volts only work on dash. __________________ Ross 06 Saleen S281SC Convertible 6spd 04 Freestar(wife) 66 mustang w/orig. Carroll Shelby racing 7 spoke 14X7's aluminum 02 pontiac sunfire 2.2 ecotec(great gas mileage) still GM junk

04-08-2007, 09:04 PM	#4
five0guy work in progress Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Mountains Posts: 28	Re: bouncing fuel guage I have the same problem. My gauge always shows full, I have been told to change the sending unit. But that is an expensive swap if its not the problem.

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