Repair Fuel Gauge on 1988 Avanti Convertible

[glennrobyn@roadrunner.com]

The needle on my 1988 Avanti convertible fuel gauge is stuck at 3/4 full. I'd like to attempt repair myself and remove it. There's really no access to it from underneath the dash...looks like the dash needs to be removed. Drat!

Before I start down this path, do you have suggestions on where I can get a shop manual for this? I've searched the internet and can't find anything.

Thanks for any help with this!

Glen

[dynolou2]

Are you sure that it is the needle that is stuck? Have you tried to briefly ground the wire from the sending unit at the tank, with a helper to read any changes at the gauge? If when grounded there is no change then it could be a gauge problem. If it does change the problem is in the sending unit, with todays fuels or prolonged storage can cause sending unit to stick in one spot. Depending on which chasis your car is built on Monte Carlo / El Camino ot the Caprice Classic will determine the type of sending unit used. Lou Cote

[IndyJimW]

If the needle stays at 3/4 Full with key on and off it could be the gauge, but I would test wiring from the tank also. You need to get to the rear of the gauge, there will be two wires for the gauge, a light socket and maybe the light socket ground connected to the gauge. The gauge will be held in place by a u shaped bracket that is bolted to the gauge and presses against the rear of the dash.

Jim Wood

[wdaly]

I have moved my fuel gauge UP from it's original position so I could see it better (moved the vacuum gauge DOWN). I have an '88 coupe and (it helps to be a contortionist) you can remove the gauge without removing the dash (smaller fingers help also).

Start by tapping the gauge hard with your finger (old aviation trick) it might work.

You could remove the rear seat and fiberglass backing to reach the gas tank with the sending unit connections on top. The PINK wire should be the sending wire. btw - all of these wires are really small diameter.

We have Stewart Warner gauges (0-180 ohms I think) not GM-type 0 - 90 ohm.

Bill D

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