What Causes the Car Fuel Gauge Not to Display?
2 Answers
The reasons for the fuel gauge not displaying: malfunction of the fuel float (fuel level sensor); short circuit in the fuel gauge wiring, etc. Malfunction of the fuel float (fuel level sensor): For older cars, this is likely an issue with the fuel float, also known as the fuel level sensor by car owners. The owner can check if the fuel level sensor plug on the fuel tank is loose, oxidized, or burnt; observe whether there is any obstruction in the sliding process of the fuel level sensor. Short circuit in the fuel gauge wiring: If the fuel level sensor is functioning properly, the issue might lie in the fuel gauge wiring on the dashboard. In this case, the dashboard should be removed, and a multimeter and a pin can be used to locate and test the corresponding fuel gauge wiring on the dashboard.
I've been driving for half my life and have encountered the issue of the fuel gauge not displaying several times, usually due to a few common reasons. The most frequent culprit is a faulty fuel level sensor, which floats inside the fuel tank to detect the fuel level and can wear out or get stuck over time. Another possibility is a malfunctioning dashboard, where the display fails to show numbers or the needle. Loose or aged wiring connections can also disrupt the signal transmission to the dashboard. A blown fuse is another common issue—just one small fuse burning out can cut power to the entire system, causing the fuel gauge to stop working. Once, during a long road trip, my fuel gauge suddenly stopped working midway, giving me a scare as I thought I was out of fuel—it turned out the sensor contacts were rusted. My advice is to always check your remaining fuel before driving. If the gauge stops working, pull over safely as soon as possible to inspect or tow the vehicle to a repair shop. Don't risk driving long distances to avoid unexpected breakdowns on the road—safety should always come first.