Have your vehicle’s owner’s manual on hand while you rest the needle. It will provide clear instructions for your make and model if they differ from the usual procedure. This reset process works for digital gauges as well as needle gauges.
Consult your owner’s manual if you’re not sure where the fuse box is. Remove the fuse with pliers and replace it with another one with the same amperage. If the gauge continues not to work after a fuse is replaced, it’s a sign there’s an electrical issue.
Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove corrosion. Brush until the connectors are shiny and debris-free. Reattach the wire firmly by looping the circular terminal over the connector and tightening a nut on top of it.
Read the multimeter for change while you move the float. If there is no change, the sending unit is broken. Make sure to securely reattach the wire to the sending unit once you’re finished. If the sending unit is broken, it will have to be replaced by a mechanic.
If the gauge works when the jumper cables are connected, then the sending unit’s wire needs to be replaced. Visit a mechanic to officially diagnose and replace the grounding wire.
When it comes to electrical work and rewiring, it’s always best to have a professional mechanic or technician do the work.
Consult your owner’s manual for specific dash removal instructions since this process is different vehicle to vehicle. Dash removal typically involves disconnecting the battery and all internal dash wiring, then unscrewing the assembly bolts to lift the dash out. Unless you have experience with this process, it’s best to have a mechanic do this. If the sending unit, wiring, and fuses are all in good shape but the gauge continues to malfunction, the gauge is the problem and needs to be replaced.
