Like other Malibu owners I now have to guess at my fuel level because as soon as it registers 3/4 tank it either fluctuates or stops working entirely. I have to figure out how much gas I have by how many miles I've gone. As soon as the gauge malfunctions, the computer thinks that the seat belt is not fastened, and the it also thinks that we are

out of gas, the car ding ding dings incessantly. At the same time, my LED read out continues to say "low fuel" and keeps coming back until I fill it up again. Along with that, the check engine light comes on, but goes out when the fuel gauge flutters back up to full. This is uncomfortable and annoying but too expensive for me to fix, just like the clunk in the steering column.

A couple of years ago, my fuel gauge sensor stopped working on my vehicle. I contacted both Chevrolet and the dealership and they told me it was not covered under my warranty - only bumper to bumper which was out of warranty. I have spoken to SEVERAL people who have all complained of the same problem I have. The vehicle always reads as empty. I have to track my gas by mileage. It's really frustrating that Chevy has this problem with their fuel gauges and, honestly, could care less. In the very least, I should have a fuel gauge that works!

At about 39000 miles, my Malibu's Fuel Level Gauge started acting up. It would bounce up and down or stick at the empty mark. This is really annoying and even dangerous since you can run out of gas who knows where, and at only 39k this is just not acceptable!

The culprit is the little device that is situated inside your gas tank that measures how much gas is in the tank. It is simply a potentiometer or a variable resistor that is varied by a float. The problem is that the potentiometer's contacts/wipers got worn out, so as the car bounced so did the contacts. These contacts are so thin I'm surprised they didn't fail any sooner. Good ol' GM trying to save every penny. On the Equinox for example, the contacts are totally different and much rugged/durable. Why not use same on Malibu????

Anyways, to replace the "sensor", the gas tank needs to be removed. Yes, its not easy and can be dangerous for do it yourselfer! But to do that, first the half of the exhaust pipe needs to be lowered. There is no other way. The sensor is attached to the fuel pump assembly inside the tank, and then it is removed from the top of the tank. There is no other access, like some cars have from the inside of the car under the passenger seat. The sensor runs for about $120 at the dealer, but you can buy one online for about $40.