[toddc]

I am having trouble getting my gas gauge to work.I just installed a used gas gauge and still nothing.I had the sending unit out before when it wasn't working and had to get it working(it wasn't reading any ohms)and still nothing.All the wiring is new from the fuse box back.Could it pssibly be the sending unit?Is there anything else I should check?Can anybody help me?Thanks,Todd

 

[John_Muha]

Not sure what problem you are having. If you disconnect the sender wire does the gage read real full? If you short the sender wire to a good ground does the gage read empty?

 

[toddc]

The gauge isn't moving at all right now.Its in the same position (the needle)it was when I got it.Is there a test I can to make sure the gauge it self works or does it work all together?Thanks

 

[John_Muha]

Make sure the gage has a good ground and has 12 volts to it. Then do the test I wrote above.

 

[toddc]

Ok how do I go about that?Testing the gauge that is?

 

[John_Muha]

1, Disconnect the sender wire.
Does the gage read real full?
2, Short the sender wire to a good ground.
Does the gage read empty?

 

[toddc]

Ok, as far making sure I'm getting 12 volts will I just meter the plug that goes in the back of the gauge?

 

[John_Muha]

Originally posted by toddc:
Ok, as far making sure I'm getting 12 volts will I just meter the plug that goes in the back of the gauge?

Sounds like a good plan.

 

[toddc]

Ok,I unplugged the sender wire in the trunk(I quess this would be the same as pulling the sender from the tank?)and looked at the gauge,nothing.I grounded the sending wire and nothing.As far as voltage goes do I need to stick my meter directly into the brown or pink wire on that comes off the back of the gas gauge?Am I doing something wrong or doe I have a bad gas gauge or sender,Is there something the way the sender is in the tank?Are there any other tests i can perform.Where should the ground from the sender go under the body?Thanks,Todd

 

[John_Muha]

No you are doing fine. It helps a little if you would say what year you have and if the car has all gages or has some idiot lights. Earlier Chevelles had 2 wires on the gage while later Chevelles have 3 wires on the connector.
To see if the gage is getting 12 volts:
With the key, using your meter, measure between the pink wire and a good clean spot on the frame (ground).

 

[toddc]

Ok,Its a 68 hard top and it has idiot lights.It has 2 wires coming from the gauge itself,a pink and tan wire.

 

[John_Muha]

OK
1, Try measuring the pink wire for 12 volts. If you have 12 volts then try #2.
2, Try grounding the tan wire (connector on gage) and ground the gage metal frame at the same time. See if the gage goes to empty.

 

[toddc]

Ok,Could i have a bad ground from the back of the cluster?I know when i had it out there was a ground wire from the top left in the back where the speedo would be going to I think the e brake.If it was a bad ground would all the lights come on?They all work right now.So ground the tan side of the plug with the correct prong on the back of the gauge to a good chassis ground?Also the speedo side is real bright and the other side with the idiot lights and gas gauge are not as bright.Could this be part of the problem?Thanks,Todd

 

[John_Muha]

You could just have some old light bulbs or dirty lens. Maybe first try checking out the gage and see if that works. The frame of the gage is the ground. That's why I suggested grounding the gage frame for the test. If the gage doesn't go empty with the frame and sender grounded, you have a bad gage.

 

[toddc]

Ok,what If I don't have 12 volts to the plug?And what about the ground for the sending unit?Thanks again?

 

[John_Muha]

Way too many "What Ifs". How about trying the tests and post back?

 

[toddc]

Ok,Sorry just a little anxious

.I'm getting ready to drive her for the first time in 6 years and this is the only thing really holding me back.I'll try these and and get back with you.Thanks again,Todd

 

[toddc]

Ok,I did test #1,I metered the pink wire on the plug(DC Volts) to the part of the dash frame that runs along the bottom of the dash and got nothing.I made sure I scraped it real good for a good ground.

 

[John_Muha]

Did you have the ignition key turned to the ON position when you measured the pink wire? Looks like I wasn't clear enough with my instuctions again. I do that sometimes.

 

[toddc]

Yeah with the key on I got nothing.