Your Maserati is one of the most luxurious and expensive cars on the market, so it’s no wonder that you’re concerned about its fuel gauge. If you’ve noticed that the needle isn’t moving as it should or that the reading is inaccurate, there are a few potential explanations. Discovering the reason for your vehicle’s fuel gauge failure is important, as it will allow you to fix the problem and ensure that you don’t end up stranded due to being unexpectedly out of gas.
About the Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge is an essential component in any Maserati vehicle. This part helps to ensure that drivers are aware of the amount of fuel remaining in the tank at all times. The fuel gauge is made up of a float, an arm, and a resistor. The float is located in the gas tank and rises or falls according to the level of fuel in the tank. The arm is attached to the float and moves the needle on the fuel level gauge on the dashboard. The resistor helps to ensure that the needle moves smoothly and accurately.
Without a functioning fuel gauge, drivers would be left guessing how much fuel they have remaining, which could lead to stranded motorists or even accidents. Thankfully, Maserati engineers have designed a reliable and accurate fuel gauge that Maserati drivers can rely on, but even the most reliable of parts can occasionally experience unexpected issues.
What Can Cause Fuel Gauge Failure?
The fuel gauge, though essential, is a relatively simple piece of work, meaning diagnosing problems with it is fairly simple. When your Maserati’s fuel gauge begins to fail, it is likely one of the following culprits.
- Sending Unit Damage: Fuel gauges can fail for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is an issue with the sending unit. The sending unit is responsible for measuring the amount of fuel in the tank and then sending that information to the gauge. If the sending unit becomes damaged, it may not be able to report the fuel levels in the tank accurately.
- Electrical Damage: Issues with the electrical circuits that power the fuel gauge system can cause problems in otherwise healthy fuel gauges. Loose connections and corrosion are common causes of part failure, and replacing those parts can mean saving the rest of the fuel gauge.
- Fuel Level Gauge Failure: Fuel gauge level failure is less common than other fuel gauge issues, but it is still possible. This occurs when the internal circuits have developed faults. These faults will usually result in the gas gauge level only being able to display a limited range of gas levels, such as only up to half full.
Symptoms of Fuel Gauge Failure
As you might imagine, most of the symptoms of fuel gauge failure have to do with the readout you see on your dash. Some of those symptoms include:
- Stuck on Empty: If you’re noticing that your fuel gauge is stuck on empty, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Most likely, this is caused by a malfunctioning float or resistor. If the float breaks off of the arm, or if the resistor fails, then the system read that the fuel is empty. This can be a serious issue, so it’s important to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible to have it checked out. In the meantime, make sure to keep track of your mileage and fueling so that you don’t run into any problems.
- Stuck on Full: One of the less common signs of fuel gauge failure is when the gauge always reads full, regardless of how much fuel is actually in the tank. This is usually caused by a faulty resistor, and it can be quite dangerous if you’re not aware of it. After all, you could suddenly run out of fuel at an unexpected moment, and that could lead to some serious problems.
- Erratic Fuel Readings: Erratic behavior in the fuel gauge can be caused by a number of things, including a problem with the fuel gauge sender. The fuel gauge sender is responsible for sending information to the fuel gauge, and if it becomes faulty, it can cause the gauge to give an inaccurate reading. In some cases, the fuel gauge may even change positions suddenly.
Trust World Class Auto with Your Maserati
At World Class Auto, we understand that your car is a crucial part of your life. That’s why we offer comprehensive repair and service for all makes and models of European cars. Our team of expert technicians are dedicated to providing the highest quality of service, and we only use the best parts and materials for all of our repairs. We also offer a convenient location in Boca Raton, FL, making it easy for you to get the service you need. Call us today to schedule your next appointment, and see the difference that World Class Auto can make.