GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Service VME - Inaccurate Fuel Gauge Readings

Subject:Service VME -- Inaccurate Fuel Gauge Readings

Models:SERVICE VME



When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

Some customers may comment that their fuel gauge reads close to E ( empty ) and when they go to fill up, there is still 15-18 gallons remaining in the tank. Some dealers have tried to address this situation by replacing the fuel pump sender module. An Engineering review has determined that the root cause could be an ineffective micro-chip ( pin #29 ) located in the instrument panel cluster. Recommended process is to first check fuel level by using a Tech 2; if Tech 2 reading shows proper fuel level, that means the fuel sending unit is getting the proper information to the PCM, even though the fuel gauge is reading empty. Next step would be to replace the instrument panel cluster and not the fuel pump sender.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance. This diagnostic approach was developed for the vehicle with the VIN you entered and should not be automatically be used for other vehicles with similar symptoms.