Fuel gauge needle vibrating

[Wwwebchief]

We have a 1999 Yukon that we’ve replaced the cluster on to try eliminating a vibrating needle on the fuel gauge. That did not fix it. I’ve read it could be a ground issue, a loose fitting connection to the back of the cluster and also the fuel sending unit on the fuel pump assembly. We’ve not tried anything more than replacing the cluster. Has anyone had success with eliminating this issue? I hate to trouble shoot this if I could get a direct answer to what is the normal cause of this. Thanks in advance for any advice you guys can give.

 

[Schurkey]

Perhaps a moderator will move this thread from "Engines" to "OEM and Custom Interiors".

First Guess: Needs sending unit in tank.
Second Guess: Failing insulation on wires, or failing connection between gas tank and instrument cluster.

 

[mattillac]

Wonder if you replaced the cluster with a new or used one. Think the issue may be pretty common.

My fuel gauge does the hummingbird thing (flutters at the correct fuel level). Never really bothered me enough to fix or replace it (yet).

This is a good read here, with pics, links, video and such.

HOW TO: Fix Bouncy/Hummingbird Fuel Gauge Needle

First, you need your supplies. I bought 30k R/C car diff oil, and it works great: http://www.ebay.com/itm/130804510618?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 Then, you'll need some 3ML syringes (without needles)...

www.gmt400.com

That is where I would start if / when I try and fix my gauge.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[98 Nitro]

I think all the 98-00 have this problem but the gauge should still be pretty accurate.

 

[Schurkey]

Are the '98-up gauges the stepper-motor kind like my '03 Trailblazer has? Or are they the old-style balanced-coil style?

Seems to me there's a resistor or capacitor or somesuch on the circuit board for the old-style gauges intended to dampen the movement. When that fails, the gauge wiggles endlessly.

 

[Wwwebchief]

Wonder if you replaced the cluster with a new or used one. Think the issue may be pretty common.

My fuel gauge does the hummingbird thing (flutters at the correct fuel level). Never really bothered me enough to fix or replace it (yet).

This is a good read here, with pics, links, video and such.

HOW TO: Fix Bouncy/Hummingbird Fuel Gauge Needle

First, you need your supplies. I bought 30k R/C car diff oil, and it works great: http://www.ebay.com/itm/130804510618?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 Then, you'll need some 3ML syringes (without needles)...

www.gmt400.com

That is where I would start if / when I try and fix my gauge.

Welcome to the forum.

We’ve already lubricated the air core stepper motors and still the fuel gauge vibrates. We’re probably going to replace the fuel pump assembly in hopes this corrects the problem. He has driven in quite a few miles and the gauge doesn’t seem to be working at all. We’re beginning to think it’s the sending unit now. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Wwwebchief]

Are the '98-up gauges the stepper-motor kind like my '03 Trailblazer has? Or are they the old-style balanced-coil style?

Seems to me there's a resistor or capacitor or somesuch on the circuit board for the old-style gauges intended to dampen the movement. When that fails, the gauge wiggles endlessly.

Our 1999 is the older “air core” type. We’ve added oil with a syringe to all the motors on every gauge and the fuel gauge seems to be the only one giving problems. I’ve read somewhere where if every other gauge is working fine then the fuel pump assembly with sending unit could be the problem. I’ll keep you guys posted.