1993 Chevy Cavalier Fuel Gauge Question

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Sat 19 May 2007 06:49
1993 Chevy Cavalier Fuel Gauge Question - NyteSkyy
I recently purchased a 1993 cavalier to save some gas. The fuel gauge was well over full, the seller said he just filled the tank. After 80 miles, the gauge barely moved, and I ran out of gas. My fuel gauge does not work! I am not picky, but I need help to figure out how to fix the fuel gauge. The other gauges seem to be just fine. I don't know where to start - I read some posts about grounding, some about sending units...which I guess means changing the entire fuel pump assembly, and some about a IP voltage regulator.
My question is, what do I ground ( cheapest idea first )
2nd Where is the IP regulator, and could the other gaues still work okay if it is bad, where would I buy one ( I looked at Auto Zone and Advance and O Reilly - and last - Any other ideas>?
It's not a bad little car - runs good - just need the fuel gauge! HELP please, thank you
bowmanauction@gmail.com
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 19 May 2007 19:49
1993 Chevy Cavalier Fuel Gauge Question - Number_Cruncher
This sounds like the wire between the gauge on the dashboard and the sensor unit in the tank has rubbed through, and is shorting against the metal work of the car. To test this is simple, quick, and costs nothing.

Turn the ignition on - your gauge will be reading full.
Pull the wire off the fuel sensor, which will be located on the fuel tank.
If your fuel gauge continues to read high - there's a short circuit.
If you fuel gauge drops, there's some problem with the sensor.

Let us know ow you go on.

Number_Cruncher
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 20 May 2007 04:37
1993 Chevy Cavalier Fuel Gauge Question - NyteSkyy
I dropped the gas tank - found someone in the past actually cut a wire! Now, the fuel pump wiring harness has 4 wires coming from it - but the car plug only has 3 prongs......I have no idea how this happened, but here is what I did - There were 4 wires coming from the pump - Grey, Purple, Black, and black and white - The black and white was cut / unhooked, whith no way to plug it in, so I took a chance, put the black and black with white stripe together, plugged it back up, and the gas gauge works! And the car runs exactly the same!
Ground - You were right! The wire between the dashboard and tank was not making a complete circuit!
(That was too easy.....lol) Thanks again!
Nyte Skyy
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

From economical vans to those that have the largest payloads, we have a shortlist for everyone - click to find out which will suit your needs.

Undecided on which van to buy? Our Top 10 shortlists can help...