Fuel Gauge

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Dylan88

Greasemonkey
May 31, 2018
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Hello I have a 81 malibu with a 5.3 swap. The fuel gauge doesnt work always reads way past full buried and never moves. Guy said it might be sending unit or ground anything i should look at first?
 

fleming442

Captain Tenneal
Dec 26, 2013
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Sounds like the sender wire is grounded. It comes out of the driver's side taillight harness; make sure it isn't pinched. Or, unplug the connector in the trunk, and see if it drops to empty.
 
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pontiacgp

blank
Mar 31, 2006
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The sender wire is the pink one. The fuel gauge is just a ohm reader so it's easy check to see what the problem is.

 
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timo22

G-Body Guru
Sep 10, 2012
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Sounded like the sender wire is grounded. It comes out of the driver's side taillight harness; make sure it isn't pinched. Or, unplug the connector in the trunk, and see if it drops to empty.
Correct me if I am wrong but I think it is just the opposite. I thought a full ground would make the gauge read empty and an open circuit would read past full.
Tim
 
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fleming442

Captain Tenneal
Dec 26, 2013
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Hence, the vague "sounds like" in my response. ;) Honestly, I can't remember! You bring up a good point because the OP mentions an LS swap which would require a GN or TBI Monte sending unit, and it may not be hooked up at all.
Found this handy little chart:
Pros-gauge-chart1.jpg
 
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Dylan88

Greasemonkey
May 31, 2018
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Do you have to drop the tank to get at the sending unit? Or what should I test first?
 
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