96 Fuel Gauge signal?

[80K25]

Howdy!

Thinking about tackling a LQ4 swap to replace a Vortec 305 in a 96 K1500. I know how to make the speedometer, cruise, ABS, tach, oil pressure and temperature gauges work with the LQ4 PCM, but I've heard rumours that the fuel gauge can present problems.

Is it not a 0 - 100ohm resistance style gauge similar to the older vehicles? If not, what kind of signal modification does the original PCM do?

I'd like to install without piggy backing the original PCM if possible.

[80K25]

Ok, found the answer to my own question, and will post it here for future searches:

The fuel gauge is actually hooked right up to the sending unit as the older vehicles were. However, the 98+ PCMs do have an input for fuel level. While I am not sure exactly what it is used for, the gauge will operate without the PCM hooked up. My guess would be that it was for a low level alarm or something similar.

[LS1GMCTruck]

You know what they say, about people that talk to themselves, right? lol Yeah, the '96 trucks fuel level sender & gauge are analog. Just locate the gauge wire coming out of the dash & connect it to the purple coming from the sender along the drivers frame rail. The gray wire is power to the fuel pump. The blacks are grounds.

[80K25]

Same thing that people say about people who swap Gen III engines into their trucks

Thanks man!

[DRAGGIN95]

Good info, I was wondering the same thing about my 95. I am sure glad this websites exists!

[LS1GMCTruck]

Same thing that people say about people who swap Gen III engines into their trucks

Thanks man!

Your Welcome. Yeah, in a way, it is kindof a kookie engine swap. LOTS of little loose ends, that take hours and hours of research to learn about & adapt to an older truck we just can't seem to part with. Quite a bit more work & money than an old school chevy V8 install. But, the end result can only be appreciated by someone that has the keys! They run fantastic.