The other day I went to turn on the car and I noticed the fuel gauge needle was in a noticeably different location than where I'd left it (about 2 1/2 notches fuller than when I turned it off). I thought nothing of it because it's typical for it to move around shortly after starting, so it's normal to have a little wiggle room. But while driving it never reverted back to where it used to be. Then I went to fill the car up to almost full and the needle traveled further beyond the last notch than it ever has before. The needle was touching the "F." I look at my gauges on a regular basis and I know exactly when something isn't right. I've owned the car for 2+ years and it's never happened before. All other gauges seem to be OK.

The only change I've had recently is I've gotten a remote start and used it a few times, including the time I first noticed the problem. I've read about some remote starts causing some issues, could this be the culprit?

I know how to fix the needle manually, I'm just looking for some insight as to why it may have suddenly moved in case there's a bigger issue at hand.

 

The only guess I have by the fact the need goes beyond it's normal stop of "full" is the stepper motor is begining to fail. When you start the car, where the needle should stop to "zero" out is not correct anymore as a result of the failure.

I know a member her documented how to service that. GM will tell you replace the cluster, reallity is, you can buy replacement motors on eBay and use a soldier iron to replace the failed part.

 

It might just be a ground issue....from the remote start...(to many things on a common ground)

Or possibly the float/pump... sensor is beginning to show signs of age?