got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jesse977 · 10-12-2011, 11:34 PM

I got my new sending unit today. I hooked it up without the gas tank and the fuel gauge needle still doesnt work. It stays at 1/4 full. What other things should I check?

**78 Big10 454** · 10-13-2011, 03:08 AM

Check the integrity of the sending unit's wiring, which means getting under your truck. On both my C-10 and my cousin's truck, the wiring was grounding out on the frame, right below the passenger side door. The clip holding the wire secure to the frame had frayed the wire's insulation and was giving both of us false readings on the gas gauge. A bit of electrical tape solved the problem.

THE "10" SILVERADO · 10-13-2011, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78 Big10 454

Check the integrity of the sending unit's wiring, which means getting under your truck. On both my C-10 and my cousin's truck, the wiring was grounding out on the frame, right below the passenger side door. The clip holding the wire secure to the frame had frayed the wire's insulation and was giving both of us false readings on the gas gauge. A bit of electrical tape solved the problem.

Wait so the clip and ground are supposed to be attached to the frame? I glanced at mine for any obvious problems because my gauge isn't working right and I though that it was supposed to be grounded to the tank.....guess that might be my problem.

flamingbig10 · 10-13-2011, 09:26 AM

Do you have a good ground from the sending unit to the frame

tucsonjwt · 10-13-2011, 10:56 AM

Aside from checking the grounds, you could have a bad gauge. I replaced both my sending units and then found out it was my gauge that was bad.

jesse977 · 10-13-2011, 04:03 PM

I use the frame as the ground. Im going to use my angle grinder to clean up where the ground wire bolts to. My gauge cluster seems fine, the other gauges work. I guess ill take it off and inspect that as well.

makman1297 · 10-13-2011, 04:49 PM

Mine had a connection problem on the guage, where the printed circuit attaches to the guage. I would tap (smack, hit) the guage and then it would kick on again, kinda annoying.

Goldfinger · 10-13-2011, 07:23 PM

IF it's non of the above it may be the gauge or printed circuit

81Stepper · 10-19-2011, 10:24 AM

What did you end up doing?

naughty240 · 10-19-2011, 09:05 PM

Im also in the club of no gas gauge, Ill have to check the ground too.

juiceman650 · 10-19-2011, 10:08 PM

Mine just drops down to 1/2 full as I waste gas, but then it won't go lower.
Posted via Mobile Device

jesse977 · 10-20-2011, 01:27 AM

I checked the wires and they seem ok. Im gonna go to the junkyard and get another fuel gauge. If that does not work well then I have no clue what to do next. I was just wondering might a fuse be the problem?

juiceman650 · 10-20-2011, 01:46 AM

I don't think there's a specific fuse for it, but then again I could be wrong.
Posted via Mobile Device

tucsonjwt · 10-20-2011, 07:45 AM

I would stay away from junkyard fuel gauge unless you can somehow verify that it is in good working condition. A new fuel gauge from Classic Parts is about $50. If you can "borrow" a known good working fuel gauge from another square that is the best option.

naughty240 · 10-23-2011, 10:39 AM

Maybe you could go Dakota digital w new sending unit. After all it is very dangerous not knowing your fuel level. *helps justify you getting a baller gauge kit*

jdheff1982 · 10-23-2011, 11:31 AM

Up until recently, I thought my sending unit was bad. Turns out, the gauge needle had been installed wrong.

10-12-2011, 11:34 PM	#1
jesse977 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 277	got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work I got my new sending unit today. I hooked it up without the gas tank and the fuel gauge needle still doesnt work. It stays at 1/4 full. What other things should I check?

10-13-2011, 03:08 AM	#2
78 Big10 454 78 Big10 454 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Posts: 839	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work Check the integrity of the sending unit's wiring, which means getting under your truck. On both my C-10 and my cousin's truck, the wiring was grounding out on the frame, right below the passenger side door. The clip holding the wire secure to the frame had frayed the wire's insulation and was giving both of us false readings on the gas gauge. A bit of electrical tape solved the problem.

10-13-2011, 09:26 AM	#4
flamingbig10 6.0 powered square Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mesquite texas Posts: 3,459	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work Do you have a good ground from the sending unit to the frame __________________ Aaron 1980 c-10 short bed lowered, cammed 6.0, 4l80e 3600 stall, smp tune, wilwoods, and flames best time so far best et 7.86 @87 on motor 7.57 90 on a 75 shot Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=283326

10-13-2011, 10:56 AM	#5
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,189	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work Aside from checking the grounds, you could have a bad gauge. I replaced both my sending units and then found out it was my gauge that was bad.

10-13-2011, 04:03 PM	#6
jesse977 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 277	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work I use the frame as the ground. Im going to use my angle grinder to clean up where the ground wire bolts to. My gauge cluster seems fine, the other gauges work. I guess ill take it off and inspect that as well.

10-13-2011, 04:49 PM	#7
makman1297 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Beaufort SC Posts: 583	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work Mine had a connection problem on the guage, where the printed circuit attaches to the guage. I would tap (smack, hit) the guage and then it would kick on again, kinda annoying. __________________ 1981 Dodge D-150 (under construction) 2007 Chevy Suburban 2010 Dodge Charger R/T 1980 Kawasaki KZ 440 2004 Harley Sportster 1200

10-13-2011, 07:23 PM	#8
Goldfinger Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: laurel hill Fl Posts: 645	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work IF it's non of the above it may be the gauge or printed circuit __________________ 1985 C10 Custom Deluxe LWB 305/700r4 [ Goldfinger ] 1999 k3500 crew cab dually 6.5tdi/4l80e

10-19-2011, 10:24 AM	#9
81Stepper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Crestview Florida Posts: 30	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work What did you end up doing?

10-19-2011, 09:05 PM	#10
naughty240 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 37	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work Im also in the club of no gas gauge, Ill have to check the ground too.

10-19-2011, 10:08 PM	#11
juiceman650 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Bruno, CA. Posts: 348	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work Mine just drops down to 1/2 full as I waste gas, but then it won't go lower. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1975 Chevy Cheyenne w/ v8 350 and TH350 Siverado interior Fleetside bed aka "The Beast" aka "Cheyerado"

10-20-2011, 01:27 AM	#12
jesse977 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 277	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work I checked the wires and they seem ok. Im gonna go to the junkyard and get another fuel gauge. If that does not work well then I have no clue what to do next. I was just wondering might a fuse be the problem?

10-20-2011, 01:46 AM	#13
juiceman650 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Bruno, CA. Posts: 348	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work I don't think there's a specific fuse for it, but then again I could be wrong. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1975 Chevy Cheyenne w/ v8 350 and TH350 Siverado interior Fleetside bed aka "The Beast" aka "Cheyerado"

10-20-2011, 07:45 AM	#14
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,189	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work I would stay away from junkyard fuel gauge unless you can somehow verify that it is in good working condition. A new fuel gauge from Classic Parts is about $50. If you can "borrow" a known good working fuel gauge from another square that is the best option.

10-23-2011, 10:39 AM	#15
naughty240 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 37	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work Maybe you could go Dakota digital w new sending unit. After all it is very dangerous not knowing your fuel level. helps justify you getting a baller gauge kit

10-23-2011, 11:31 AM	#16
jdheff1982 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 318	Re: got a new sending unit...gauge still doesnt work Up until recently, I thought my sending unit was bad. Turns out, the gauge needle had been installed wrong. __________________ Project and Truck Specs: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=483381



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