Chevrolet Impala erratic fuel gauge issue with fluctuating readings from full to empty on Chevrolet Impala

Submitted by rjohnson · Oct 6, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Chevrolet Impala owners report experiencing erratic fuel gauge readings, with the gauge fluctuating between full and empty. This issue can often be attributed to a faulty fuel sending unit, which measures the fuel level and sends the information to the dashboard gauge. Additionally, deposits on the fuel sending unit may lead to inaccurate readings, and using a GM-recommended fuel system cleaner can help resolve this problem. Owners should also inspect wiring connections related to the fuel sending unit, as loose or damaged connections can contribute to erratic gauge behavior. In some cases, the gauge needle may be out of calibration, necessitating a check and recalibration. To verify gauge accuracy, some owners recommend manually checking the fuel level with a dipstick or measuring the fuel added during refueling. If these issues persist, diagnostic testing by a qualified mechanic may be required to identify the underlying cause of the erratic fuel gauge readings.

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