2005 Chevrolet Malibu

EFISCHLEIN

MEMBER
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

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.

Friday, July 22nd, 2011 AT 2:14 PM

1 Reply

FACTORYJACK

MECHANIC
4,159 POSTS

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.

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Friday, July 22nd, 2011 AT 5:03 PM