Why is the remaining fuel not displayed on the dashboard?
2 Answers
The dashboard not displaying the remaining fuel is likely due to a faulty fuel gauge. Below are some related introductions about the car dashboard: 1. Speedometer and odometer: The speedometer and odometer are actually composed of two meters. One is the speedometer, and the other is the odometer. Traditional speedometers are mechanical. A typical mechanical odometer is connected to a flexible shaft, which contains a steel cable. The other end of the flexible shaft is connected to a gear in the transmission. The rotation of the gear drives the steel cable to rotate, which in turn drives a magnet inside the odometer cover to rotate. 2. Tachometer: The tachometer is usually located within the instrument panel, placed symmetrically with the speedometer and odometer. The tachometer operates based on magnetic principles, receiving pulse signals generated when the primary current in the ignition coil is interrupted. These signals are then converted into a displayable RPM value. The faster the engine speed, the more pulses the ignition coil generates, resulting in a higher RPM value displayed on the instrument.
I've been driving for over thirty years and have seen many dashboard fuel gauge display issues. The main cause is usually a faulty fuel level sensor—the float inside the fuel tank might get stuck or damaged, especially in older cars which are more prone to this problem. It could also be due to a malfunctioning instrument panel itself or poor electrical connections, such as loose plugs or aged wiring. Remember to check if the relevant fuse in the fuse box has blown; a simple test with a multimeter can confirm this. If not repaired promptly, you won't know how much fuel is left while driving, and breaking down midway would be disastrous. I recommend paying attention to abnormal sounds or flashing lights while driving—these are early warning signs. During regular maintenance, ask the mechanic to check the sensors and instrument system as a precaution, which can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
