Gas Gauge not Returning to Empty

[brheller]

My sister has a 2005 Cavalier 2.2l. Her gas gauge needle does not return fully to empty when she shuts the car off, and then over-reports her fuel level. If she pulls the cluster fuse, it will reset.

She didn't pull the fuse for a few times, and her needle is now stuck on the temp needle. I will pull her cluster apart and reset the needles, but was curious if there is a way to fix this issue. Any ideas?

[Redog]

Some cars don't reset to zero with the ingition off

[brheller]

Her gauges all return to zero when working normally. Her gas gauge is not returning all the way. For example, she has half a tank. Turns the car off, it moves to a tick above empty. On next start, her car shows a tick above half. Turns her car off, it now sits at two ticks above empty. Next start it is two ticks above half. If she pulls the fuse and replaces it, it will move to a half tank, and start the process all over again.

[Gr1m]

well it could be two things:
your gauge cluster
or your fuel level sensor, iirc the sensor float is built into the fuel pump so you would have to replace the whole assembly