Fuel gauge wrong?

[53x.m461k]

Hey guys.

Today when I filled up my 2003 Lumina, the fuel gauge stayed down in the empty, and the alert was on the screen. I have driven the car a few more times today, and every time it has gradually shown more fuel in the tank, basically in 1qr increments. It now shows its 3/4 full, but I know it should be almost 100%. Any ideas what could be wrong?

[jameswh]

Hi,

I had this same issue in my VY II S. Funnily enough, the issue disappeared with the next tank. If you do a search on here, you'll find that many people have the same/similar issue. Although, unfortunately, a lot of those who reported similar symptoms had to end up getting their fuel sender unit replaced.
I'd suggest waiting it out to see how the next tank behaves.

[53x.m461k]

alright thanks. I did a bit of a search, but I couldn't find anything about this problem.

[jameswh]

Here is a thread I posted awhile back about the issue:

Problems with fuel gauge

There are many others - trust me. : )

[SAV_117]

just a quick question but wouldnt it be 2002 lumina because there are no 2003 ones

[53x.m461k]

??? I checked the plate, FEB03 buit.

[SAV_117]

sorry about that mate got the wrong date your right how are you finding it what state do u live in got any pics?

[53x.m461k]

Ahh thats ok. Had me a bit confused there for a bit. No pics, haven't done anything to it though, it's dads old car, I got it from him when he got a VE Calais. I just bought a 6 stacker to swap with single disc that is there now.

Fuel gauge seems to be working how it should atm, I'll keep checking it though

[DUK13Y]

I had this problem a few days ago in my Berlina after I unplugged the battery in attempt to change it then realising that the replacement was the wrong one. Stupid book lied to me.

Anyway, for the first 3 start ups it kept reading 0kms to empty but then a bit after that it started to read at maybe 1/8 and 55kms to empty. Should I just let it sort itself out or make a point at it's next service (75000). Surely the fuel sender isn't that old.

[Jbird]

i dont mind it, its nice to see your fuel gauge go up instead of down

[dazamaz]

Have you tried this:
When your driving (make sure there's no one else around!!) give the car a quick tug to the left then right, making sure to rock the car a bit. This will move the fuel around in your tank more then just usual driving.
I've had a similar problem a couple of times where the fuel gauge won't move from full and this seems to drop the gauge to the correct reading.
One thing to be careful of is dirty fuel...