Gas Gauge doesn't work - What to check first?

[Major_Tom]

Gas gauge on my 98 Saturn SL2 stays right around three-quarters of a tank no matter what.

What should I check first? How do I get to the fuel pump on this car? Theres no chance theres is an access plate under the back seats, is there?

[off-track]

Originally Posted by Major_Tom

Gas gauge on my 98 Saturn SL2 stays right around three-quarters of a tank no matter what.

Even when the car is turned off?

How do I get to the fuel pump on this car? Theres no chance theres is an access plate under the back seats, is there?

No chance (unfortunately). Only way to get to it is to drop the tank.
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=142900
IIRC it would even be pretty tough to get to the FP connector to test that way without (at least partially) dropping the tank?

[Major_Tom]

Originally Posted by off-track

Even when the car is turned off?

Yes, the gauge stays in the same spot even with the car off. what does that mean?

Its ok, my mom has a lift in her garage, so dropping the tank isn't a huge deal, but I was hoping it would be as easy as it is on my Honda Accord.

[lost_wreckage]

Your mom has a lift in her garage? That's pretty cool.

[Major_Tom]

Originally Posted by lost_wreckage

Your mom has a lift in her garage? That's pretty cool.

Its actually her boyfriends, but yeah, its a 2 post lift. He got it a few years ago out of a catalog, I think he paid like $1800 for it. Its paid for itself several times over by now, I'm sure.

For some things its great, like pulling a gas tank or for when I did the timing belt on my honda. But others, like oil changes, its just faster to do it on the ground. Getting the arms lined up can take 10 - 15 minutes of horsing around and moving the car back and forth just the right amount.

[off-track]

Originally Posted by Major_Tom

Yes, the gauge stays in the same spot even with the car off. what does that mean?

You're looking at the wrong end of the car! It should flat line with the power off so the gauge itself is stuck. You could pull it and see if you can free the needle but have no experience there.. otherwise, I'd scout the local JY for a replacement IPC?

Its ok, my mom has a lift in her garage, so dropping the tank isn't a huge deal, but I was hoping it would be as easy as it is on my Honda Accord.

Ok, so we're all jealous. Don't post the location in your profile or you'll have a line-up at Mom's in no time!

[Major_Tom]

Originally Posted by off-track

You're looking at the wrong end of the car! It should flat line with the power off so the gauge itself is stuck. You could pull it and see if you can free the needle but have no experience there.. otherwise, I'd scout the local JY for a replacement IPC?



Ok, so we're all jealous. Don't post the location in your profile or you'll have a line-up at Mom's in no time!

Thats good news! A new gauge cluster is only $30 shipped off ebay. Much better than having to drop the tank and horse around with the fuel pump and tank level unit.

[madpogue]

Originally Posted by off-track

You're looking at the wrong end of the car! It should flat line with the power off so the gauge itself is stuck.

Huh? On a '98? I thought the gauge dropped on power-off only on the gen-3 cars.

[Jake-Sl2]

Guage drops when i kill the key on my 94. Hmm