Fuel Gauge Problem, Help!

jake18 · 06-03-2011, 01:27 PM

I was driving on the highway last weekend and i was forced to drive on the shoulder or get crushed by a truck that didnt see me. When i pulled onto the shoulder i ran over a shredded tire. I didnt think much of it at the time, but when i looked down at my fuel gauge a few hours later i noticed that it had went from showing a half of a tank to almost full. The gauge itself is not physically broken because it still moves up and down when i turn the car in and off. Also it goes down at the correct rate, its just at the wrong position. I filled up the other day and the needle was at full, and so far i have driven 100 miles and its still at full. Any ideas on what it could be? Thanks!

robj80 · 06-03-2011, 01:49 PM

I can't see how they are related unless you dented your fuel tank or the float, think thats how the gauge works, had become damaged from the tire. I would just run the tank out and see if the mileage is off.

There is an instrument cluster diagnostics check. I did it before. The procedure is in the FSM and basically it makes the needles move and lights on dash come on with the car not running. It was entertaining to watch. I think really it just makes sure each thing on the cluster is getting power. I don't think it re calibrates anything.

08versailles · 06-03-2011, 02:03 PM

Good job staying in control during your "rally experience"! Glad you're okay. Welcome to NVF!
imo, sounds like a damaged and out-of-position float. I had that with a Kcar that would read 1/8th full, but it was bone dry

I gotta try that instrument cluster diagnostic check!

jake18 · 06-03-2011, 02:08 PM

All the research i have done so far points to something being wrong with the float, which would make sense, since i ran the tire over on the right side of the car and could have dented the fuel tank. I was just curious of other opinions. Thanks Guys !

Gorp · 06-03-2011, 02:21 PM

The fuel gauge works by detecting resistance from the sending unit. Low resistance results in a full reading and high(er) resistance will indicate lower fuel levels.

While the sending unit may indeed be faulty, it's worth checking out the wiring leading to the tank. If the wire to (from) the sending unit got pinched and grounded, the resulting lower resistance to ground would cause the gauge to read "full".

jake18 · 06-03-2011, 04:36 PM

how do i do the instrument cluster diagnostics check? i cant seem to find out how anywhere.

robj80 · 06-03-2011, 04:54 PM

Quote:

SELF-DIAGNOSIS MODE FUNCTION
• Self-diagnosis can check for continuity between meter control circuit and each meter (speedometer, tachometer
and fuel gauge).
• Self-diagnosis can check for odo/trip meter and A/T indicator (with A/T) or CVT indicator (with CVT) segment,
low-fuel level warning lamp, low water temperature indicator lamp, and high water temperature warning
lamp.
OPERATION PROCEDURE
1. Turn the ignition switch ON, and switch the odo/trip meter to “trip A” or “trip B”.
DI-12
< SERVICE INFORMATION >
COMBINATION METERS
If the diagnosis function is activated with “trip A” displayed, the mileage on “trip A” will indicate “0000.0”,
but the actual trip mileage will be retained. (The same applies for “trip B”.)
2. Turn ignition switch OFF.
3. While pushing the odo/trip meter switch (1), turn the ignition
switch ON.
4. Confirm that the trip meter displays “0000.0”.
5. Push the odo/trip meter switch at least 3 times. (Within 7 seconds
after the ignition switch is turned ON.)
6. All the segments on the odo/trip meter, and simultaneously the low-fuel warning lamp indicator illuminates.
At this time, the unified meter control unit is turned to self-diagnosis mode.
• M/T MODELS (1)
• A/T AND CVT MODELS (2)
NOTE:
• Check combination meter power supply and ground circuit when self-diagnosis mode of combination
meter does not start. Replace combination meter if normal. Refer to IP-12, "Removal and Installation" .
• If any of the segments is not displayed, replace combination meter. Refer to IP-12, "Removal and Installation"
.
7. Each meter activates while pressing odo/trip meter switch. (At this time, the low-fuel warning lamp turns
off, low water temperature indicator lamp and high water temperature warning lamp turn on.)

from the FSM section DI page 12. Page 17 in that same section deals with troubleshooting a faulty fuel gauge or float.

06-03-2011, 01:27 PM	#1
jake18 New Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Fuel Gauge Problem, Help! I was driving on the highway last weekend and i was forced to drive on the shoulder or get crushed by a truck that didnt see me. When i pulled onto the shoulder i ran over a shredded tire. I didnt think much of it at the time, but when i looked down at my fuel gauge a few hours later i noticed that it had went from showing a half of a tank to almost full. The gauge itself is not physically broken because it still moves up and down when i turn the car in and off. Also it goes down at the correct rate, its just at the wrong position. I filled up the other day and the needle was at full, and so far i have driven 100 miles and its still at full. Any ideas on what it could be? Thanks!

06-03-2011, 01:49 PM	#2
robj80 Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: central, CT Posts: 2,473 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I can't see how they are related unless you dented your fuel tank or the float, think thats how the gauge works, had become damaged from the tire. I would just run the tank out and see if the mileage is off. There is an instrument cluster diagnostics check. I did it before. The procedure is in the FSM and basically it makes the needles move and lights on dash come on with the car not running. It was entertaining to watch. I think really it just makes sure each thing on the cluster is getting power. I don't think it re calibrates anything. __________________ 2009 Versa 1.6 sedan current mileage 124,000 44.04 mpg personal best and no I don't hypermile PM ME TO BUY FORUM DECALS

06-03-2011, 02:03 PM	#3
08versailles Level VI Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Haldimand Ontario Canada Posts: 1,932 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Good job staying in control during your "rally experience"! Glad you're okay. Welcome to NVF! imo, sounds like a damaged and out-of-position float. I had that with a Kcar that would read 1/8th full, but it was bone dry I gotta try that instrument cluster diagnostic check! __________________ *08 Versa SL hatch 1.8 manual* 213000km 2012avg41.5mpgImp. Muffler delete video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIl3p...ature=youtu.be *09 Altima 2.5S cvt* 128000km NEW MOTOR@90k 2012avg34.4mpgImp. http://www.nissanversaforums.com/non...09-altima.html 2001 Sentra XE manual, served me well 1972 Datsun 1200 Deluxe two door sedan manual, took a beatin' while I learned to drive Last edited by 08versailles; 06-03-2011 at 02:07 PM.

06-03-2011, 02:21 PM	#5
Gorp Level III Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 175 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The fuel gauge works by detecting resistance from the sending unit. Low resistance results in a full reading and high(er) resistance will indicate lower fuel levels. While the sending unit may indeed be faulty, it's worth checking out the wiring leading to the tank. If the wire to (from) the sending unit got pinched and grounded, the resulting lower resistance to ground would cause the gauge to read "full". __________________ I plan to die young, as late as possible.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

06-03-2011, 02:08 PM	#4
jake18 New Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	All the research i have done so far points to something being wrong with the float, which would make sense, since i ran the tire over on the right side of the car and could have dented the fuel tank. I was just curious of other opinions. Thanks Guys !

06-03-2011, 04:36 PM	#6
jake18 New Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	how do i do the instrument cluster diagnostics check? i cant seem to find out how anywhere.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Nissan Versa Forum Advertisement