Senior Tech
Jim
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
Posts: 1,114
Re: bench test a new fuel gauge
Did you get the different resistors to try yet ?. You will need those or a variable resistor.
As far as bench checking. The fuel level gauge should not draw hardly anything for amperage so you could get a basic 12V 10A max output power supply.
On the power supply you will have two terminals (12V+ and Ground).
One terminal of the gauge should go to the 12V+ while another terminal on the gauge to ground, and the third terminal on the gauge to the sending unit. You will also have to have a jumper wire from the mounting ring of the sending unit tied to the ground on either the gauge or the power supply.
You must also get the proper terminals on the gauges connected to the correct terminals on the power supply and cannot have them hooked up incorrectly.
I know you have been having problems with your fuel level system and maybe take it to a better stereo shop that does service work and ask if they can bench check it for you (but you will need to identify which terminal goes to what on the gauge and sending unit). Sometimes a fresh head can see the problem you are having and get it corrected. I too sometimes look at things and the problem is right in front of me but sometimes asking another co-worker whats up and he might see it right away and then it clicks in my head.
I wonder too if you don't have a power or ground problem feeding the gauge or maybe some bad jumper cables. I just had a cheap set today give me screwy readings while wiring up some power seats for a street rod and found out the wire that was crimped under the rubber covered alligator clips were loose so I got some thicker wire (16 gauge) and reused the alligator clip ends but then soldered the wire to the clips and they are much better and more reliable now.
Jim
1974 Spirit Of America Nova (being restored), 1973 Nova Custom, 1968 Chevy II (Garage Find 2012)
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.