1994 GMC Vandura Fuel Gauge Stuck Full

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CAMPBELLKIDZ1
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My gas gauge does not work it reads full all the time, is there maybe a short in a ground wire somewhere, andy ideas how to fix it?

I really do not think the gas gauge is bad, I am thinking a short somewhere!
Feb 6, 2007 at 3:26 PM
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MATHIASO
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it could be a problem with the sending unit also call fuel-level sensing unit which is mounted in the fuel tank or the indicator itself is faulty.
Sending unit are usually replaced.
Feb 7, 2007 at 2:22 AM
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CAMPBELLKIDZ1
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[quote:08f29db11c="mathiaso"]it could be a problem with the sending unit also call fuel-level sensing unit which is mounted in the fuel tank or the indicator itself is faulty.
Sending unit are usually replaced.[/quote:08f29db11c]

SO what do you think that I should try first, sometimes the gauge moves slightly, but stays in the full tank area, not matter what!
Feb 7, 2007 at 1:53 PM
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MATHIASO
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Do not change anything unless the test tells you which part is defective.
Disconnect the fuel -gage wire at the sending unit.Then turn the ignition key to the ON postion to provide power to the instrument panel.With the wire unhooked and the key on, look at the fuel-gage reading.If the gage is operating properly, it will read either " completely full or completely empty" depending on the make and model
nest, take the end of the disconnected wire that leads to the fuel gage and connect it to the metal part of the vehicle frame. If the gage is operating it will read either completety full or completely empty.
if the gage respond to this test,it's working correctely.however if the gage does not respond to the test at all, then the sending unit need to be replace.
Feb 8, 2007 at 12:22 AM
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CAMPBELLKIDZ1
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[quote:4af52320db="mathiaso"]Do not change anything unless the test tells you which part is defective.
Disconnect the fuel -gage wire at the sending unit.Then turn the ignition key to the ON postion to provide power to the instrument panel.With the wire unhooked and the key on, look at the fuel-gage reading.If the gage is operating properly, it will read either " completely full or completely empty" depending on the make and model
nest, take the end of the disconnected wire that leads to the fuel gage and connect it to the metal part of the vehicle frame. If the gage is operating it will read either completety full or completely empty.
if the gage respond to this test,it's working correctely.however if the gage does not respond to the test at all, then the sending unit need to be replace.[/quote:4af52320db]
Wow. your good, Where is the sending unit and how do i disconnect it? It is a major job I bet! I am no mechanic. I will try this as soon as I can hen it warms up around here, I n Michigan it has been very cold!

Thx
Feb 9, 2007 at 1:31 PM
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CAMPBELLKIDZ1
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[quote:8a9cfea50b="campbellkidz1"][quote:8a9cfea50b="mathiaso"]Do not change anything unless the test tells you which part is defective.
Disconnect the fuel -gage wire at the sending unit.Then turn the ignition key to the ON postion to provide power to the instrument panel.With the wire unhooked and the key on, look at the fuel-gage reading.If the gage is operating properly, it will read either " completely full or completely empty" depending on the make and model
nest, take the end of the disconnected wire that leads to the fuel gage and connect it to the metal part of the vehicle frame. If the gage is operating it will read either completety full or completely empty.
if the gage respond to this test,it's working correctely.however if the gage does not respond to the test at all, then the sending unit need to be replace.[/quote:8a9cfea50b]
Wow. your good, Where is the sending unit and how do i disconnect it? It is a major job I bet! I am no mechanic. I will try this as soon as I can hen it warms up around here, I n Michigan it has been very cold!

Thx[/quote:8a9cfea50b]

to add moreto this does anyone know where I can get a used working digital dash that is OEM that will fit in the place of the one that I have now? For this Van?

now back to the other note?
Feb 9, 2007 at 1:35 PM
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MATHIASO
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A sending unit is usually inserted into a fuel tank through large hole at the top of the tank. It’s held in place with either a series of bolt or a large, round retaining ring. However, in most case the fuel tank has to be removed before the sending unit can be removed and replaced. It usually located near the top of the fuel tank. Therefore, you won't be able to reach the retaining bolts or have enough room to pull the sending unit up out of the tank. Once the fuel tank is removed, you can remove the sending unit and using the fuel gage wire test the fuel gage as I have described it before: If you think it's complicate to do,take your car to a shop ask them what do you want to be tested before replacing anything. Good luck


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/46384_sending_1.jpg


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/46384_procedure_1.jpg

Feb 10, 2007 at 1:13 AM
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CAMPBELLKIDZ1
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Man that is alot of work I have to find someone to do it then, or just go without a gas gauage, why do the idiots put it in the gas tank anyway, like some cars have the fuel pump in there, there is no chance that the average person can work on there car anymore that way, you have to take it somewhere and pay through the nose, when you used to be able to do it yourself? pardon me for venting, but I cannot pull a gas tank nor afford anyone doing it, if I could afford it I would not drive a used car. But Thank you for your help, I wish that I could afford someone to fix it.
Feb 11, 2007 at 3:11 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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New cars are not necessary without thier headaches. That is a common fallacy that persuades folks to buying a new one only to find out different.


Nice Job Mat!
Feb 11, 2007 at 5:01 AM
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CAMPBELLKIDZ1
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[quote:95878726ca="Service Writer"]New cars are not necessary without thier headaches. That is a common fallacy that persuades folks to buying a new one only to find out different.


Nice Job Mat![/quote:95878726ca]

Thatis fer sure, My uncle has all new cars, and he pays through the nose, for any part, and that is before he has someone put it on for him. But he gets like 4000 a months social security, ho can afford it I live on 500 a month, I cannot! If you know what I am saying! hehehehehe Thanks for the comments, I want a digital dash for my Van to from a junk yard, that I might be able to handle putting in, because I has messed with sah's before, but taking off a gas tank, that it another thing, HEY BTW does anyone know where I can get the manual that you get with a car when you purchase it, I need one for my van if there is a place that is FREE I would really ppreciate it!
Feb 11, 2007 at 5:11 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Maybe you can pull the tank.... You're a lot smarter than you think you are!


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_smart_1.jpg

Can try junk yards or E-bay maybe for a manual. Honestly, there really aren't much help. Stick with us and we can answer what you need to know :wink:
Feb 11, 2007 at 5:59 AM

Suggested Repair

Test the fuel gauge before replacing parts. Disconnect the gauge wire at the in-tank sending unit with the ignition on, then ground that wire to the frame and compare readings. If the gauge does not respond, the sending unit is likely faulty and usually requires fuel-tank removal to replace. Have a shop perform the test if tank removal is not practical.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1994 GMC Vandura 2500 with a 5.7 V8 reported that the fuel gauge stays near full and suspected a wiring short. The expert said the in-tank fuel-level sending unit or the gauge could be faulty and advised testing the disconnected gauge wire, including grounding it to the frame, before replacing anything. The sending unit is accessed through the top of the tank and often requires tank removal. The owner said that work was beyond their means and also asked about a used digital dash and an owner's manual; junkyard or online sources were suggested for a manual.

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