2005 chevrolet malibu

2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
100,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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EFISCHLEIN
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  • 1 POST
my fuel gauge is on the fritz (reads empty almost all the time). A search of the internet indicates that it's likely the fuel sending unit, which on my car, is one unit, with the fuel pump. It also suggests checking for shorts, etc.. before replacing. I'm just looking for advice on what to actually look at before assuming it's the pump/sending unit.
Jul 22, 2011 at 2:14 PM
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FACTORYJACK
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Usually, it is a faulty sensor(sender), as the contact fingers or resistor board wear. If you had a short or an open, more than likely you would see an extreme, either reads full all the time, or empty all the time. There could be another possible to consider, and that is a sticking gauge needle. I am not sure on your vehicle if, when you key it on, all the gauges go high, then low, and to there normal reading positions. This could eliminate a gauge needle sticking. Another option is opening and shorting the fuel sensor wires at the connector, to drive the gauge low/high.
Jul 22, 2011 at 5:03 PM