In a return-to-zero stepping sequence for a stepper motor that drives the pointer of a gauge, steps that could potentially cause the pointer to flutter are modified. At least the initial potential flutter step of the stepping sequence is divided into sub-steps to progressively attenuate the motor torque, the motor is deactivated during intermediate potential flutter steps, and at least the final potential flutter step of the stepping sequence is divided into sub-steps to progressively re-apply the motor torque.