Fuel Gauge goes in and out

38078 Views 99 Replies 40 Participants Last post by Passerby, 5 d ago

mcymse3

Discussion Starter · Oct 8, 2019

Anyone else have a fuel gauge / odometer that goes in and out? When it's been cooler outside mine has been showing jibberish in the past, now it just plain doesn't show up until my car is warmed up. It has been suggested to me that it's a communication problem. Any ideas on how to fix? I'd rather not pay the dealership to troubleshoot and I'm not under warranty any longer.

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Goobers

· #2 · Oct 8, 2019

You may not want to pay the dealership, but are you comfortable tearing out the front dash and instrument cluster? Can you diagnose a potentially failing ECU? What about ripping out all the wiring in the various harnesses to check for corrosion?

If you know a mechanic that deals with up-to-date Hondas, they might find the issue and be able to fix it... but usually the dealership has the tools and access to Honda corp for troubleshooting issues, and therefore a better chance at finding the issue.

*geh, typing on an iPad is annoying.

Reactions: 2

mcymse3

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 8, 2019

Goobers said:
You may not want to pay the dealership, but are you comfortable tearing out the front dash and instrument cluster? Can you diagnose a potentially failing ECU? What about ripping out all the wiring in the various harnesses to check for corrosion?

If you know a mechanic that deals with up-to-date Hondas, they might find the issue and be able to fix it... but usually the dealership has the tools and access to Honda corp for troubleshooting issues, and therefore a better chance at finding the issue.

*geh, typing on an iPad is annoying.

I'm not - but my husband is. Trying to find a place for him to start.

Goobers

· #4 · Oct 8, 2019

Start with instrument cluster, then wiring from it to ECU and/fuse panel. This would only really show if there’s corroded or loose wiring. If the issue is inside the cluster, you’d have to find a way to trouble shoot it (usually by swapping the cluster).

Reactions: 1

Binji

· #5 · Apr 7, 2020

Hello, I am seeking help. I’m having this exact same issue and can’t find any more info on it anywhere. Did you find out what was wrong with it? Please let me know. It would really help. Some days it’s fine and some days it glitches like crazy and goes blank, then randomly works fine. Thank you.

Reactions: 1

mlabelle72

· #6 · Jul 11, 2020

I am having the same issue as Benji. It only seems to happen when it's really humid or has been raining. Brought it to the dealership and they recommend replacing the whole cluster for about $1300.00. I found a replacement for about $450.00 but I am not sure if it would be the cluster as it seems to be a water issue and water doesn't get into the cluster so I think it may be the wiring. Has anyone checking the wiring? Not sure where to start but don't want to pay $1300.00 for it not to be fixed.

mcymse3

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 4, 2020

We have had a couple of cooler mornings and my gauge has acted up. I'm hoping someone will find a solution.

TwoWheelsDown

· #8 · Aug 5, 2020

It's a common problem on F-150's. The solder joints on the circuit board crack and cause an intermittent electrical connection to the LCD display.

Not sure if it's the same for the HR-V, but it might be a lead to start investigating.

mcymse3

Discussion Starter · #9 · Aug 6, 2020

Thanks - I saw a similar post on a FIT forum so this is definitely worth looking into.

AmK

· #10 · Nov 10, 2020

mcymse3 said:
Thanks - I saw a similar post on a FIT forum so this is definitely worth looking into.

Did you ever find out what the problem was with the flickering on the fuel gauge because I have been having the same problem?
Thank you!

Binji

· #11 · Nov 11, 2020

AmK said:
Did you ever find out what the problem was with the flickering on the fuel gauge because I have been having the same problem?
Thank you!

Never did. Just been living with it. It happens infrequently and I’m not sure of a trend on the occurrence. The two dealerships that saw it have said that it may need a software update but I think they’re wrong.

AmK

· #12 · Nov 11, 2020

Binji said:
Never did. Just been living with it. It happens infrequently and I’m not sure of a trend on the occurrence. The two dealerships that saw it have said that it may need a software update but I think they’re wrong.

I agree with you! I don't think it has anything to do with software... I just don't want mine to stay black and then not be able to see my fuel. I work at a low maintenance mechanics shop & we all think it specifically has to do with a part in the cluster. I want to say a maybe something like a transistor. If I can finally figure this out I will keep ya posted. Thank you for responding.

Binji

· #13 · Nov 11, 2020

AmK said:
I agree with you! I don't think it has anything to do with software... I just don't want mine to stay black and then not be able to see my fuel. I work at a low maintenance mechanics shop & we all think it specifically has to do with a part in the cluster. I want to say a maybe something like a transistor. If I can finally figure this out I will keep ya posted. Thank you for responding.

Same concern for me. I just avoid letting my fuel get anywhere close to empty. I have noticed that if I knock on my dash right where the blanked out cluster is, it will respond. Sometimes it comes back on normally and other times it just changes the glitching patterns. Please keep me posted. I love my HR-V except for that problem. Thank you!

AmK

· #14 · Nov 11, 2020

Yea, I love the vehicle too & of course the problem we have has to be annoying lol

Binji

· #15 · Nov 14, 2020

AmK said:
Yea, I love the vehicle too & of course the problem we have has to be annoying lol

I meant to ask you, and I find this very strange. Do you see a "NO BATT" icon appear there during the glitching occasionally? It says no batt and has an icon of a dead battery.

AmK

· #16 · Nov 19, 2020

I do see a No Batt icon sporadically but I think it's just b/c the gauge itself is messed up.

grego34

· #17 · Nov 26, 2020

mine started doing that the last 2 times i got gas and it lasted about 1 day.. only 6k miles in my 2019 HRV Sport. i leasesd mine. Maint told me to call them if its a issue

kirkreyes

· #18 · Dec 16, 2020

My 2016 HR-V LX started doing the same thing. Vehicle just hit 55k miles.. It happens when its 40° and below out here in Colorado Springs. Like OP says, after car warms up and drives a couple miles.. it will go back to normal. It's annoying af!..

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grego34

· #19 · Dec 16, 2020

kirkreyes said:
View attachment 31051
My 2016 HR-V LX started doing the same thing. Vehicle just hit 55k miles.. It happens when its 40° and below out here in Colorado Springs. Like OP says, after car warms up and drives a couple miles.. it will go back to normal. It's annoying af!..

mine hasn't done it since last post.. it's cold in Illinois also.. i wonder if it was only doing it when i was gasing up with the car turned on?

kirkreyes

· #20 · Dec 16, 2020

grego34 said:
mine hasn't done it since last post.. it's cold in Illinois also.. i wonder if it was only doing it when i was gasing up with the car turned on?

I always kill the motor before fueling up and it still does it. I'm starting to think it really has to do with something in the cluster. It's also hard to replicate the fault when you take it to dealership since its gone by the time you get there

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