Testing my fuel gauge

[Gozza]

Hi all my fuel gauge does not work and it is starting to get on my titties. I had the dash out the other day to make sure nothing had come disconnect and all seemed fine. I think the obvious thing to do would be to test the wiring etc with a circuit tester. Anyone ver had the same problem before ?? If so, how did you solve it ??

Thanks all.

[golfvr6]

Probably need a new sender unit, it is in the fuel tank with lift pump(if fitted).

[Gozza]

Is this difficult to replace and if so how much does it cost ??

I have been told euro car parts dont do it so............

[golfvr6]

You will have to remove the unit from the tank, and test for continuity. I think its behind the rear seats, the removable base on top of the fuel tank that is.
The other easy test you can do is disconnect the wiring from the sender unit, bridge the points with a paper clip(with ignition on). If nothing happens then its not the sender and instead a wiring fault.

[Gozza]

Thanks for the info.

I removed the cover in the boot the other day and there was a clip with 2/3 wires going into the tank, is this the wiring you refer to ??

Also if I use a circuit tester on these wires should they have charge? if they do are they working ok ?


Thx

[Gozza]

[golfvr6]

I'll check the wiring diagram if i get the chance later  

[Gozza]

had a look at the wiring to the fuel tank today and consists of the following wires,

Brown - Earth
Purple n Black - dunno
Red n Yellow - Power when car running, nothing when ignition on/car off

Now I was contemplating connecting the purple n black and ren yellow as I assume this will give power to the gauge then tell me if the gauge is ok or if I need a sender unit or not, is this right ??

BY the way my Petrol pump hums constantly, does this mean its about to go or what ? Has been like it since i bought it and the guy before said it has been like it since he has owned it ?? any idea ??

Thx

[richandhazel]

Violet and black is the lead that provides the input to the gauge from the sender unit.

Red and yellow is the power supply to your lift pump.

I may have the wrong diagram here, but are you sure the other lead is brown only? Or is it black and brown?



If its black and brown then I'd have another look at the wiring diagrams as I don't think it'll be a straight earth........according to the above diagram, it goes to current track 124, not straight to earth.

Main fuel pump will hum all the time..........that's normal.

[Gozza]

OK thanks could be black n brown I will have another look. So if I cross the purple/black n red/yellow could I tell if the guage works ?? so I can elimate the problem being the gauge or sender ?