Temp gauge quit, now my fuel gauge is OTS :(

Kraw

Nail On The Head El Moderatoro
Founding Member
2001 GT... temp gauge quit working months ago. It will work sporadically, but never stays on long. It's our daily driver and has 120k miles on it. I think we are getting rid of it next year.

Temp gauge wasn't a big deal. I had a scangauge 3 already. But the gas gauge not working is a problem. Not for me, but for future owners. My questions are:

  1. Is it required to have a working gas gauge in a car for sale in the state of GA?
  2. Can I replace the gauge cluster with an aftermarket unit and have the dealer program the odo?
  3. Where could I find a factory replacement? The dealer wants well over $600 bux for it!

from the research I've done on here, it seems that the PATS system is a PITA.

Thoughts or suggestions? I would prefer to just say **** it and leave it like it is, but my wife thinks otherwise....
 
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First have you confired if the problem with the fuel gauge is in the cluster or fuel tank sending unit?

Have you checked the ground next to the radio center console?

Consider removing the cluster and cleaning the PC edge connector with a pencil eraser. Measure the resistance from the cluster ground wires (#1 BK, #20 BK/WH) back to battery negative. Post.

If there is a cluster problem, it may be possible to swap individual boards from a salvage yard unit to get yours back online.

It is also possible to swap the PATS board from the old cluster to the new and avoid re-programming PATS.

No I don't have pictures on exactly which boards to swap.

Try car-part.com for a salvage yard replacement. Try to get the same model year to minimize the changes of problems. Especailly if you plan on board swapping.
 
Instrument Cluster Self-Diagnostic Mode

Instrument Cluster Self-Diagnostic Mode

To enter the instrument cluster self-diagnostic mode, depress and hold the instrument cluster SELECT/RESET button, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position, and then continue pressing the SELECT/RESET button (five seconds) until tESt is displayed in the odometer. The SELECT/RESET button must be released within three seconds of the odometer tESt display to begin the self-diagnostic mode. Depress the SELECT/RESET button to advance through the following steps until dtc is displayed. Depressing the SELECT/RESET button will display any stored continuous DTCs before proceeding to the next step.

Odometer Display Description
GAGE Activates gauge sweep of all gauges, then displays present gauge values. Also carries out the checksum tests on ROM and EE.

All segments illuminated Illuminates all odometer segments.

bulb Illuminates all micro-controlled indicators and LEDs. Install a new indicator or LED as necessary.

r Returns to normal operation of all micro-controlled indicators and LEDs and displays hexadecimal value for ROM level (used when requesting assistance from the hotline).

EE Displays hexadecimal value for EE level (used when requesting assistance from the hotline).

dt Displays hexadecimal coding of final manufacturing test date (used when requesting assistance from the hotline).

dtc Displays continuous DTCs in hexadecimal format. Pressing the SELECT/RESET button will display any DTCs stored before proceeding to the next step.

enG Displays the English speed in mph. Speedometer will indicate present speed within tolerances. Display will show 0 if input is not received, if input received is invalid for one second or more, or if speed is 0.

m Displays the metric speed data (km/h). Speedometer will indicate present speed within tolerances. Display will show 0 if input is not received, if input received is invalid for one second or more, or if speed is 0.

tAc Displays the tachometer data received from the PCM via the SCP network within tolerances. Tachometer will indicate present rpm. Display will show 0 if input is not received, if input received is invalid for one second or more, or if engine rpm is 0.

FUEL Displays the code (0-255) for the fuel sender input to the ICM. The fuel gauge will display a filtered fuel level value. This filter will keep the pointer from moving suddenly or erratically.
255=open send +/- 0
232=full stop +/- 0
215=full mark +/- 10
178=3/4 mark +/- 8
138=1/2 mark +/- 7
93=1/4 mark +/- 5
41=E mark +/- 4
54=LOW FUEL (0-59)
0-18=short (0-20 max)

OIL Displays the code (0-250) for the oil pressure switch input to the ICM. Oil pressure gauge will indicate present oil pressure. Normal oil pressure (greater than 6 psi) will display a value between 000 and 176. A low oil pressure or an inoperative engine oil pressure switch (less than 6 psi) will display a value greater than 176.

dEGC Display of engine temperature in degrees C input from cylinder head temperature sensor.
49 C="C" mark
60 C=normal band start
120 C=normal band end
-40 C=no SCP message for 5 seconds

bAtt Displays the code (0-255) for the battery voltage input to the ICM. Battery voltage gauge will indicate present battery voltage.
93-102=6.9-9.1 volts (low voltage)
115-124=8.5-10.7 volts (norm band start)
215-225=15.8-18 volts (norm band end)
230-241=16.9-19.1 volts (high voltage)

rhEo Displays the present decimal rheostat dimming input, 0-255 (used when requesting assistance from the hotline).

Cr Displays the present RUN/START sense input. Display will show -h for high input with the ignition switch in the START position and -L for low input with the ignition switch in the RUN position.

PA-PE7 Not used.

GAGE Repeats test display cycle.


To exit the instrument cluster self-diagnostic mode, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position or press and hold the SELECT/RESET button for three or more seconds and release.