I have a 2004 SE with a fuel gauge problem. The gauge had been showing readings near empty one minute and then over half or near full the next. When I shut off the engine and then restart, the gauge will say something different. After reading the posts here, I thought it was the level sensor in the tank I first tried replacing the arm that moves against the rheostat, that didn't help I then replaced the entire level sensor unit(rheostat, wire harness and float assembly) still did not help. any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Are there any other problems that you're experiencing? Check engine light? Do you have access to a scanner to check what the fuel level shows? From the fuel sender sends a variable voltage to the PCM. The PCM then sends a class 2 serial signal to the instrument panel cluster, which drives the gauge.

I don't have any other problems. The other gauges are working OK to the best of my knowledge. I think I ruled out the level sensor as the problem. I checked the resistance and that was good according to the numbers I saw somewhere on this site.(1/4 - 129 ohms, full - 250 ohms etc.) I guess the problem must be in the gauge or the computer. I guess a scanner would verify I have the correct resistance going all the way to the pcm and rule out any wire problems? I don't have a scanner but I wonder if one the chain auto part stores would check it for me. Does anyone have any experience removing the dash to get to the gauges? I have a Haynes manual and it says the home mechanic probably should not attempt it. It talks about disabling the air bag. I am slightly hesitant about messing with the air bag.Thanks for the reply,if anyone has experience with this I appreciate any and all help.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=71718

My current Bonne had a similar issue when I bought it. They initially replaced the in-tank sensor, but it didn't help. Wound up taking it to a local GM dealer, who diagnosed a instrument cluster replacement was necessary. Luckily, the place where I bought it footed the bill.

Mark

The auto parts stores just use a code reader, so that wouldn't help much. You could try measuring the voltage or resistance at the blue PCM connector using this diagram to see if the reading is different from right at the sender.


This shows the diagram for the instrument panel cluster.


A few have had issues with the IPC and gauge related problems.