Hi everybody... newbie here. Recently became proud owner of a new - what we call, in South Africa - Nissan 1400 Bakkie, I believe elsewhere known as a Datsun 1200 ute (A14 motor I think). They're dirt cheap here compared to other ute's of their size. The only gripe I have with it is that the fuel gauge does not register full when I fill up, the needle goes to about 2 needle widths from the full mark. Does anyone know if this would be the gauge or the sensor in the tank and if it is the sensor, can I remove it without having to remove the tank? The tank is a 40 litre plastic tank strapped to the belly. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Quote:This is normal. Mine does the same thing.

If you wish to pursue this, there is two things:
1. The gauge has calibration screws in it. It is not designed for the user to change this, so proceed at your own risk.
2. The resistance in the sending unit (in the tank). Adding a resistor inline may change the reading and/or replacing the sensor with another one may cause it to read differently.

Thanks ddgonzal. I appreciate the advice. Would you know, through your experience, should I choose not to do anything about the gauge or the sensor, leaving the "full" mark inaccurate, how accurate will the "empty" mark be? Will an empty tank be indicated by 2 needle widths below the "empty" mark"? I guess it's safest to fill the tank when it indicates "empty".

The empty mark is never accurate. It is always showing empty when there are many liters/gallons left in the tank. So nothing to worry about.

If you want a guarantee, do this: Put a spare gasoline/petrol container in the back. Drive until the fuel runs out. Check the guage reading. Then you know for sure. I've done this with most of my cars. Whatever the brand, I've had enough fuel for 30 to 100 miles left when it reads "Empty".

Hey ddgonzal:

I'm working on a custom dash with autometer guages, and need some help on the same thing...

If I buy a universal adjustable sender from autometer, will I simply have to match this with a fuel level guage of the same ohms for empty / full?

The sender I am look at say it is adjustable to tanks that are 5 deep (whatever that means)

Thanks man

Yep, adjust it at the sender, not at the gauge. That's best. Of course the stock sender is not adjustable, but the aftermarket universal ones are.

i pulled my tank out today
it had rust around where the circle bracket holds sender in my neighbour said clean that so it gets good earth
he also checked the sender and it works half way with ohm meter and the rest didnt work im guessing top half
he gave the tiny wires that toch on the moving part a clean with fine sand paper then worked all the way through
im gonna fill up tomorrow and see if it works

is this what usualy goes wrong???

whats the normal things that go wrong with the guage not working