Fuel Gauge Inaccurate

1. Turn the ignition on. With the DRBIII, read DTCs. If the DRBIII displays FUEL LEVEL SENSOR OPEN or FUEL LEVEL SENSOR SHORT, see FUEL LEVEL SENSOR OPEN  or FUEL LEVEL SENSOR SHORT  for related symptoms. If the DRBIII does not display FUEL LEVEL SENSOR OPEN or FUEL LEVEL SENSOR SHORT, go to next step.
2. Perform the instrument cluster self test. Turn the ignition off. Press and hold the trip reset button. Turn the ignition on. Observe the fuel gauge during the self test. The fuel gauge pointer should pause at each of these following positions:
   • E
   • 1/2
   • Full
   If the fuel gauge performed the self test properly, go to next step. If the fuel gauge did not perform the self test properly, replace the instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANELS article.
3. Turn the ignition off. Remove the fuel pump module from the fuel tank. For fuel pump module removal, see REMOVAL, OVERHAUL & INSTALLATION - NEON article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE. Inspect for physical obstructions in the fuel tank. Inspect the fuel level sensor for bent or damaged parts. Measure the resistance of the fuel level sensor while moving the float arm through the complete range of motion. The fuel level sensor should measure the following resistances:
   • E = 184- 04 ohms
   • 1/4 = 360-410 ohms
   • 1/2 = 565-585 ohms
   • 3/4 = 741-791 ohms
   • Full = 947-967 ohms

The fuel level sensor should read resistance through the full range of float arm motion. If the fuel level sensor reads the proper resistance values through the full range of motion, the condition is not present at this time. Monitor DRBIII parameters while wiggling the related wire harness. Refer to any technical service bulletins that may apply. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connector terminals. If the fuel level sensor did not read the proper resistance values through the full range of motion, replace the fuel level sensor.