just bought a datto ute and the fuel gauge has a mind of its own, sometimes its half a tank and next its nearly empty??? any ideas where to start, any help would be much appreciated!

There is a wire on the top of the fuel tank that sends the fuel signal....here's a pic of it from my coupe - if your lucky you might have an easier time of it with the ute.

Is your temp gauge working or is it miss reading as well?

Ha just make sure you have a jerry can with you at all times then it doesnt matter if your fuel guage wont work. Remember its a 30 year old car it aint that accurate.

cheers guys, the temp gauge isn't working either! both fluctuate

Your Ballast Resistor that controls your gauges is shot!

Quote:If your fuel & temperature guage needles are wandering all over the place then the 'instrument voltage regulator' has gone faulty.
I had one go 'off' in my old B10 sedan & another in my 200B so it's not an unknown problem.

The instruments work on a lower voltage than the system voltage, as low as six volts I'm told & a seperate voltage regulator is used to keep this under control.
I do not believe that it is a simple Ballast Resistor, but whatever it is, find either a new one, or a serviceable used one & fit it. They are not particularly expensive, or difficult to fit.

thanks for your help guys, i will take a look!