gas gage

Discussion in 'V-8 Buick Powered Regals' started by 1986 regal 455, Jun 20, 2011.

  1. gas gage always reads on E. any ideas why and how to fix it?
     
  2. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    You may have a short in the sending wire; if it goes to ground the gage will read E. Another possibility is that the in-tank sender is stuck. You'll have to diagnose the problem before you can determine how to fix it.

    Devon
     
  3. gs_jimmy

    gs_jimmy Well-Known Member

    I'd start with a broken ground wire. Will peg the needle either in the F or E position. Start by dropping the gas tank (sorry, it's a pain) and cleaning/repairing the black ground wire. It gounds to the body and the sending unit. This is the most common thing I find wrong. Usually a rust issue. You may need to make a new ground wire, make sure to use good brass ends and clean everything well. A bit of liquid electical tape on the connections after the gauge starts to read correctly, then reassemble.

    If this didn't fix it, go to the sending unit. I assume this is a n/a car and not an SFI Turbo car as they have different sending units and gas tanks. Easy thing here is to replace the unit and be done with it. Will get rid of 20 years of rust & ??? junk, plus give you a new sender.

    Still not fixed? Then go with a gauge. They don't usually fail, but who knows, these cars are now over 20 years old. My GS has been fine for 45 years, but could go out any time (I guess).

    Still nothing? Then you have pissed off the car gods and no amount of work or animal sacrafice will fix it. You must then scrap the car and all bank accounts. Send the money to the club and we will party with the money!

    Seriously, probley in the wiring harness. If you installed a stereo in the vehicle, check for a broken wire. The main body harness runs in the channel under the drivers seat. See if a screw got sent thru it, or any obvious shorts in the harness.

    Let us know what you find.

    Jim
     
  4. STAGE-2 TORQUE

    STAGE-2 TORQUE STAGE-1 Buick "494Stroker" in 2021



    :TU::TU:
     
  5. Oldskewl59

    Oldskewl59 Gold Level Contributor

    Ive got the same problem. I have decided to replace the tank and sending unit, since I have to drop it anyway. Tank, sending unit, straps and hardware for about $250. I thought that was reasonable for a 40 year old car.
     

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