Fuel gauge flicker

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May 28, 2018 | 01:52 PM

57lxi

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From: Austin Texas

Fuel gauge flicker

’95 Olds 88, NA. Intermittent problem with fuel gauge. It moves in unison with turn signals. Changing fan speed also will make the needle move, a lot. Turning on headlight have no effect on gauge. Alt good, battery good, cables new. I’m suspecting a ground issue.

May 29, 2018 | 05:09 PM

CathedralCub

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 57lxi

Agree, sounds like a ground issue.

First thing I'd do is turn on the ignition and turn signal then have somebody watch closely while you wiggle various wire harnesses to see if any change cause a change of behavior. I'd start under dash and next to fuse/relay blocks.

May 30, 2018 | 06:40 AM

Mike

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From: Dark Side, AZ

There is a ground buss under the drivers left kick panel that gets eaten up by salt. Happens all the time with these body style cars.

How are the power windows and locks?

May 30, 2018 | 09:38 PM

Tech II

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From: Worcester, Ma.

Also there are a bunch of grounds located above the battery, and also underneath the ICM bracket...check them out.....

May 31, 2018 | 10:11 PM

57lxi

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From: Austin Texas

Thanks for the heads up on the ground locations. I was about to dig out my FSM to hunt them down. I found the ground lug by the battery, cleaned them up but didn’t fix problem. Power windows/locks, defroster or cruise control use doesn’t make the gauge jump. After attacking grounds, I give the harness wiggle test a go. Other plan is to pull instrument panel, locate factory ground wire, tap into it to a known good ground point. Going to check blower motor ground to. I’m leaning to a poor ground for the instrument panel. Did I mention I hate electrical gremlins?