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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: funkyfive on 16 July 2009, 15:08

Title: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: funkyfive on 16 July 2009, 15:08
Yesterday my gauge started going crazy, and the reading is up and down. Any ideas?
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: Wayne on 16 July 2009, 15:11
Sender unit.
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: funkyfive on 16 July 2009, 15:14
Where and what is that?  :embarassed:
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: Wayne on 16 July 2009, 15:45
Top of the fuel tank, tells the gauge how much is in the tank.
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: ianw3321 on 16 July 2009, 15:52
If the temp guage is moving about too it is the voltage regulator. If only the fuel guage then as wayne says. To test a tank unit remove the wire switch on the ignition and touch the wire to earth. If nothing happens look elsewhere but if the guage goes all the way to full and you are not getting an accurate reading when connected then it is a faulty tank unit.
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: christomk3gti on 16 July 2009, 17:31
my fuel gauge does strange things also, when around half tank, might suddenly drop to quater of tank, then after abit, go back up.

my temp gauge seems ok i think, depending on how hot it is, It can stay at the middle, or if its not too hot, it stays around 75-80 degrees.

Is this normal?
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: ianw3321 on 16 July 2009, 17:56
My gauge moves up and down as I brake / accelerate but thats just the fuel moving around in the tank as long as its accurate at a steady speed on a level road.
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: christomk3gti on 16 July 2009, 18:21
ohh right, but what about the temp gauge, is mine normal?
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: ianw3321 on 16 July 2009, 18:23
I would say so mine gets halfway stuck in ttaffic but sits at around 85 on the open road.
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: christomk3gti on 16 July 2009, 18:30
thanks mate. exaclty what mine does
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: ianw3321 on 16 July 2009, 18:32
In reference to the voltage regulator it keeps the voltage accross the gauges steady regardless of the battery voltage which goes up and down with revs load etc. If it fails open circuit the gauges fuel and temp wont work at all. If it fails closed circuit the gauges which are just voltmeters will go up and down with revs load etc.
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: christomk3gti on 16 July 2009, 18:33
nice one m8, good 2 know.
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: funkyfive on 16 July 2009, 19:14
Cheers Guys, my temperature gauge is fine! So where do you find the wire switch on the ignition? How much does a faulty tank unit cost and does anyone know the part number?
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: ianw3321 on 16 July 2009, 19:25
The wire is on the tank sender unit which is on the fuel tank. You may be able to access it from the boot but im not too sure as I have not had any problems with mine and have never looked perhaps someone else can advise. Usually only one wire unless other one is earth. Anyway remove wire and touch it to earth. Part number should be stamped on tank unit. But do a search on ebay.
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: funkyfive on 16 July 2009, 19:34
The wire is on the tank sender unit which is on the fuel tank. You may be able to access it from the boot but im not too sure as I have not had any problems with mine and have never looked perhaps someone else can advise. Usually only one wire unless other one is earth. Anyway remove wire and touch it to earth. Part number should be stamped on tank unit. But do a search on ebay.

Cheers i will check it out on Saturday
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: Len on 16 July 2009, 20:09
In my experience dont buy the sender unit (if you need one) from anywhere else but a main dealer!
Eurocarparts/GSF dont stock the right ones!
Title: Re: Fuel Gauge Reading Intermittent
Post by: funkyfive on 17 July 2009, 07:34
In my experience dont buy the sender unit (if you need one) from anywhere else but a main dealer!
Eurocarparts/GSF dont stock the right ones!

Cheers Len noted mate!! Do you know are they expensive?