What Is the Gas Meter in a Car Called?

The “gas meter” in a car is called the fuel gauge (often informally the gas gauge). It displays the approximate amount of fuel remaining in the tank, while a companion device in the tank—the fuel level sender or sending unit—measures the level and feeds the gauge. In modern vehicles, software smooths the reading and triggers low-fuel warnings and range estimates.

Where You See It and What It Does

The fuel gauge appears on the instrument cluster or digital driver display, typically alongside speed and engine information. It indicates fuel level from Full (F) to Empty (E) and may include a low-fuel warning light and a small arrow next to the pump icon that shows which side the fuel filler is on. Many cars also calculate distance-to-empty, translating the fuel level and recent consumption into an estimated remaining range.

How It Works

Traditional float-and-resistor system

Most vehicles use a float attached to an arm and a variable resistor (rheostat) inside the fuel tank. As fuel level changes, the float moves, altering electrical resistance. The vehicle interprets that resistance as a level and displays it on the gauge. Because tanks are irregularly shaped, readings aren’t perfectly linear; manufacturers often map the signal to show familiar F–½–E positions.

Modern digital integration

In newer cars, the sender’s signal travels through the vehicle network (often CAN bus) to the powertrain or body control module, which applies filtering and logic to prevent the needle or bar graph from bouncing as fuel sloshes. Software also handles tank-shape compensation, low-fuel thresholds, and range calculations. Some vehicles use capacitive or ultrasonic sensors instead of a rheostat for improved durability and accuracy.

Related Terms You Might Hear

Drivers and technicians often refer to several components and indicators associated with the fuel gauge. Here are the most common terms and what they mean.

• Fuel gauge (gas gauge): The display that shows fuel level on the cluster or screen.
• Fuel level sender/sending unit: The in-tank sensor (float and resistor or other technology) that measures fuel level.
• Instrument cluster/driver display: The panel that presents the gauge and warning lights.
• Low-fuel warning lamp: The indicator that illuminates when fuel drops to a calibrated reserve (often around 10–15% of tank capacity).
• Distance to empty (range): A software estimate of how many miles/kilometers you can drive with the remaining fuel.
• Filler-door arrow: A small arrow next to the pump icon indicating which side the fuel cap is on.

Together, these terms describe the visible gauge, the sensor that feeds it, and the supporting warnings and estimates that help drivers manage refueling.

Variations Across Vehicle Types

Analog needle gauges remain common, but fully digital clusters display fuel as bars or percentages and can add trip-computer context. Heavy-duty trucks may use multiple tanks and selectors, requiring additional logic to combine readings. In hybrids, the gauge behaves like a conventional fuel gauge. In battery-electric vehicles, the analogous display is the state-of-charge (SOC) gauge for the high-voltage battery, often paired with range predictions and energy consumption metrics.

Common Problems and Symptoms

Fuel gauge inaccuracies can stem from sensor wear, wiring issues, or display faults. Recognizing typical symptoms helps zero in on the cause.

• Stuck or drifting gauge: Often a sticking float or worn rheostat in the sending unit.
• Always reads Full or Empty: Possible open/short circuit, bad ground, failed sender, or cluster fault.
• Erratic swings while driving: Normal slosh dampening may be weak, or the sender may be intermittent.
• Inaccurate “distance to empty”: Range is an estimate based on recent driving; aggressive driving or hills can skew it.
• Incorrect after refueling: Software may need a short drive to resample the level; topping off can confuse evaporative controls and readings.

If the gauge behavior changes suddenly or becomes unreliable, inspection usually starts at the sender and wiring, then moves to module software and the cluster.

Quick Troubleshooting and Care Tips

Simple checks can identify whether the issue is with the sensor, wiring, or display—and help keep readings reliable.

• Check fuses and grounds related to the instrument cluster and fuel pump/sender circuit.
• Run the cluster self-test (if available) to verify the gauge needle or digital bars move correctly.
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes; some vehicles log level-sensor or network faults.
• After refueling, drive a short distance to allow the system to update and stabilize.
• Avoid topping off after the pump clicks; it can saturate the EVAP system and affect readings.
• If range estimates vary widely, reset the trip computer and monitor average fuel economy for context.

These steps can quickly separate a display issue from a sender or wiring fault and help you decide if professional diagnosis is needed.

Bottom Line

The gas meter is called the fuel gauge, and it works with an in-tank fuel level sender to show how much fuel remains. Modern vehicles refine the reading with software, add low-fuel warnings, and estimate range. If the gauge seems off, the sender and wiring are the most common culprits, but quick checks can point you in the right direction.

Summary

The fuel gauge—often called the gas gauge—displays fuel level, while an in-tank fuel level sender measures it. Today’s cars use digital filtering, low-fuel alerts, and distance-to-empty estimates to make the reading more useful. Typical faults include worn senders, wiring issues, or cluster problems; basic checks like fuses, self-tests, and scans can guide repairs.

What is the fuel meter on a car?

Electronic Fuel Gauges
These systems utilise a fuel level sensor that transmits an electronic signal proportional to the remaining fuel. This signal is then processed by the car’s computer system, which translates it into a reading displayed on the fuel gauge.

How much to fix a gas gauge in a car?

A fuel gauge replacement’s cost can vary significantly, from under $100 for a simple fuse or wiring issue to over $1,000 for a fuel sending unit and fuel pump replacement, which are often combined in modern vehicles. Parts and labor are the primary cost factors, with labor often being the most expensive component. A diagnostic fee is also possible for minor issues, while major problems requiring tank removal will incur significant labor charges.
 
Factors influencing cost

• Problem type: A blown fuse or faulty wiring is a quick and inexpensive fix, while a broken fuel sending unit is more complex and costly. 
• Combined parts: In many vehicles, the fuel sending unit is integrated with the fuel pump, meaning both must be replaced together, increasing costs. 
• Labor: Labor rates vary by location, shop type (dealer vs. independent), and the complexity of the job. 
• Vehicle make and model: Costs differ between different cars and trucks, with some models being more expensive to repair than others. 
• Diagnostic fees: Shops may charge a fee to diagnose the problem, even if it’s a simple fix like a blown fuse. 

Typical repair costs

• Minor repairs (fuse, wiring): Less than $100, often just a diagnostic fee and the cost of a new fuse. 
• Fuel sending unit (if separate): Could be in the range of $250 to $800 or more. 
• Combined fuel pump and sending unit: Can cost between $400 and $1,000 or more, including parts and labor. 
• Instrument cluster issues: Some repairs to the instrument cluster itself might be needed, with costs ranging from $150 to $500. 

How to get an accurate estimate

• Contact a mechanic: Provide your car’s make and model to a trusted mechanic or use online estimators like RepairPal for a specific estimate. 
• Consider DIY: If you are comfortable with car maintenance, a new fuel sending unit typically costs $150 to $200, though replacement requires significant labor and proper support for the fuel tank. 

What is the gas meter called on a car?

The gas meter in a car is called the fuel gauge or gas gauge. It is a critical instrument located on the dashboard that shows the amount of fuel remaining in the vehicle’s tank, typically marked from “F” (Full) to “E” (Empty). 
How it works:

• A float in the fuel tank rises and falls with the fuel level. 
• This float is connected to a rod that moves a resistor, sending an electronic signal to the gauge on the dashboard. 
• The gauge displays the fuel level to the driver, indicating how much is left. 

Why it’s important:

• It allows you to monitor your fuel level and avoid running out of gas. 
• Some newer vehicles may also display the estimated number of miles you can drive before needing to refuel. 

What is the gas tank monitor called?

An ATG uses probes located in each tank or compartment to measure fuel and water levels. Each probe consists of a long rod with floats or sensors. The position of the floats tells the ATG console how much fuel and water are present in the tank. The probe rod also has thermistors to measure the fuel temperature.