This question pertains to a friends not f-body VW pasot, but I figured gas guages were pretty universal so you guys should be able to help me out here. Baically the friend is getting a car cheap from her aunt but the fuel gauge doesn't work. Where would the problem be the guage, wires, sender??? How would I check the components out, how to fix the problem. If anyone can help me out here that would be great. Thanks.
-pods

 

Pods,

Split the system in half - check the resistance of the fuel sending unit from the dash wiring or any convenient place. A resistance of 10-200 ohns indicated the level sensor in the tank is functional, and would hint that the gauge is fried. An infinite resistance or exremely high reading would indicate a failed float, sensor, or ground/power connection at the tank (or somewhere between). Try connecting a 100 ohm resistor to the gauge to see if it reacts.

My guess is the float/sensor/wiring, since German cars might have sound mechanicals, but aren't wired for ****. I've seen some of the poorest electrical engineering on Deutsche-Wagens, from VW to Benz. It's almost like they don't think about wiring until after the car is built. They are almost as weak as Chryslers in that respect.

------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"No matter how hard you try you can't stop us now"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0

 

Yeah, I agree with Vader about the quality of wiring on those. They're a nightmare. I know on our cars, nine times out of ten it's the sending unit in the tank that goes bad. It's very rare usually for the gauge in the dash to go out. Check for loose grounds or connections between the tank and the gauge. If all that checks out ok, it's probably the sending unit.



------------------
89RS w/350 TPI; 69RS/SS w/450 HP 350/Muncie 4-Speed "Too weird to live, too rare to die."

 

Try to find the sending unit wire at the tank and use a test light to probe the wire.

With the test light lead grounded and the piont piercing the wire it should make the gauge peg either in the full or empty dirrection.

This will tell you that the wires and gauge are good to the tank.

Also make sure that the ground on the tank is good.

------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R

GO #3

 

I'll check all that stuff out when she gets the car, thanks guys.
-pods