GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Fuel Gauge Always Indicates Empty Diesel

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  2. Disconnect the fuel level sensor.

Did the fuel gauge move toward FULL?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Replace the fuel level sensor. Refer to one of the following procedures in Engine Controls:

    • Fuel Level Sensor Replacement 6.5L (L57)
    • Fuel Level Sensor Replacement 6.5L (L65)

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--

3

With a test light, backprobe the instrument cluster connector from cavity 16 to B+.

Refer to Using Connector Test Adapters in Wiring Systems.

Did the test light illuminate?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Repair the short to ground in CKT 30 (PPL) between the instrument cluster connector and the fuel level sensor connector.

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--

5

Backprobe the instrument cluster with a test light from connector cavity 31 to B+.

Did the test light illuminate?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Repair the open in CKT 451 (BLK/WHT) between the instrument cluster connector and G108.

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--

7

Replace the instrument cluster.

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--

Fuel Gauge Always Indicates Empty Gasoline

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Ensure that the ignition switch is in the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect the vehicle control module (VCM) connector C1.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

Does the FUEL gauge continue to indicate EMPTY?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Locate and repair the short to ground in CKT 30 (PPL) between the VCM connector C1 and the instrument cluster connector.

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--

3

With the VCM disconnected and the ignition switch in the RUN position, does the FUEL gauge indicate FULL?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect the VCM connector C3.
  3. Use a J 39200 DMM in order to measure the resistance between cavity 13 and cavity 19 of the VCM connector C3. Refer to Using Connector Test Adapters in Wiring Systems.

Does the resistance measure within the specified values?

40 ohms-250 ohms

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Replace the VCM. Refer to one of the following procedures in Engine Controls:

    •  VCM Replacement/Programming 4.3L
    •  VCM Replacement/Programming 5.7L
    •  VCM Replacement/Programming 7.4L

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--

6

  1. Disconnect the fuel pump module. Refer to one of the following procedures in Engine Controls:
  2. • Fuel Level Sensor Replacement 5.7L
    • Fuel Level Sensor Replacement 7.4L
  3. Use a J 39200 DMM in order to measure the resistance between cavity A and cavity D of the fuel pump module.

Did the resistance measure within the specified values?

40 ohms-250 ohms

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Locate and repair the short to ground in CKT 1589 (PPL) or CKT 470 (BLK) between the VCM and the fuel pump module.

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--

8

Replace the fuel pump module. Refer to one of the following procedures in Engine Controls:

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--