1997 Oldsmobile 88 Gas Gauge

OLDS88LS

MEMBER
1997 OLDSMOBILE 88

Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Oldsmobile 88 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

What do you think could cause the gas gauge to give bad readings? The car had ran out of gas numerous times over the last 4 years, and I'm tired of it. I'm an ASE Automotive Technician trainee, from a school high school just graduated. Before, I told my teacher about it. We checked the wiring which had to much corrosion in the female and especially on the male connectors, after cleaning them out the gauge still did not operate correctly. If its not the wiring, my guess must be that the gas level in the gas tank is broken. Am I right? I want to repair this problem myself ASAP, I'm going to a Vocational school soon and this car is my get around. I needs lots of help and diagrams around this thing. The car is a 1997 Oldsmobile 88, no Supercharger.

1 Reply

INTERNETMECHANIC

MECHANIC
700 POSTS

Take the fuel pump connector loose, use a jumper to ground purple wire, key on, the gage should read empty. Use a 90 ohm resistor between the purple wire and black wire, key on, the gage should read full. If everything checks out, I agree with you, the sending unit may be faulty. I'd have to check the wiring connector also. Radioshack sells resistors, I have several in my tool box.