OK its been far too long since I was a tech. But I still try to fix my own car problems. My 2007 Chevy 6.6 is in pristine condition with 171 K miles. I woke up a few days ago to find my fuel gauge totally inoperative. The low fuel light is on and I know it has at least 3/4 tank. I verified this by topping it off already. So I’m not sure where to start on diagnosing where the problem lies. Should I start at the tank harness or at the cluster? Thanks for any help….
Chevy duramax fuel gauge inoperatiive
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Does the needle sweep when turning the truck on? If not, it's not unusual for the stepper motor in the cluster to fail, you can replace it yourself if you can solder decently, or get someone to replace it for you. Swapping clusters is possible, but you'll probably want it programmed for your truck (gas/diesel/2wd/4wd is different) as well as for mileage.
If the gauge does sweep, then, most likely, the problem is between the ecm/bcm and the sensor in the tank, as the computer that reads the sensor communicates the value digitally to the IP (so if there was a problem between the computer and the IP, more gauges wouldn't work right). Connector, ground and/or sensor problems aren't unusual, for a 15 yo vehicle.
If the gauge does sweep, then, most likely, the problem is between the ecm/bcm and the sensor in the tank, as the computer that reads the sensor communicates the value digitally to the IP (so if there was a problem between the computer and the IP, more gauges wouldn't work right). Connector, ground and/or sensor problems aren't unusual, for a 15 yo vehicle.
Thanks davester. The needle does not sweep at key up. The gauge just remains pegged as empty as possible. All the other gauges are operating correctly.
a tech ii (dealership level diagnostic computer setup) or similar can command the gauge to various positions, as well as display the fuel level the ecm/bcm is reading, so you could verify that the fuel tank sender is reporting a reasonable value.
It won't be 100% certain that it's the stepper motor, but it is very common for the stepper motors to fail for that generation.
It won't be 100% certain that it's the stepper motor, but it is very common for the stepper motors to fail for that generation.
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Have you given it a whack with your elbow?
No but I will tomorrow. What are you thinking…a stuck stepper motor? Thanks -I see the possibility
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