Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge indicates the quantity of fuel in the tank when the ignition switch is in the RUN position. When the ignition switch is turned to the following positions, the pointer may come to rest at any position:
^ OFF
^ LOCK
^ START
^ ACC

The fuel gauge measures the current from a variable resistor in the fuel tank. A float controls the resistor. When the fuel tank is full, and the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the resistance is high and the fuel gauge indicator moves to the maximum position, or FULL on the gauge face. When the fuel tank is empty the resistance is low and the fuel gauge indicator moves to the minimum position, or EMPTY on the gauge face.

Corroded connections or severed ground paths may cause the indicator to register past FULL on the gauge face. Short circuits to ground may result in the indicator resting below EMPTY.

The fuel gauge sender assembly mounts to the top of the fuel tank. A cam-type locking ring, or snap ring, retains the fuel gauge assembly. A seal is used between the fuel tank and the sender.

The fuel gauge sender assembly consists of the following components:
^ A float (attached to a variable resistance sender)
^ A woven plastic filter (on the fuel pickup tube)
^ A vane-type electric fuel pump

For fuel gauge sender replacement procedures, refer to the appropriate procedure:
^ Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement (4.3L)
^ Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement (5.0L, 5.7L)
^ Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement (6.5L)
^ Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement (7.4L)