running on empty??

[AlTroakex]

I have recently encountered a problem with my fuel guage. Ever since my heater has packed in (which I believe has been fixed) my fuel guage has always showed me having an empty tank. Which is going to cause a bit of an inconvenience because I plan to go on a long drive in the summer from Somerset to Cornwall and I don't fancy being stuck somewhere in the middle.

Any suggestions?

Many thanks, Al. X

[Dean]

when you disconnect the cable from the tank sender, does the gauge then read full?

If so, this eliminates the gauge not working.

The next thing will be to check that the floaty thingy in the tank is lifting when the petrol goes in. Not sure how you would check this though.

If the guage still reads empty then chances are the gauge is sticking or broken.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Do the simple things first: remove the speedo head and check the tightness of the electrical contacts to gauge. Sometimes the gauge indicator needle sticks against the face which efffectively jams it, especially if the gauge has been removed and accidentally caught.

Look through all the relevant wiring (and heater wires in this case) and check for any loose connections or stray wires.

[bmcecosse]

You have to EARTH the wire at the tank to make the gauge read full. Otherwise - just stop every 100 miles and buy 3 gallons of fuel.....and carry a spare Jerry can too! Mr Cameron says we must!

[mike.perry]

Carry a 2 gallon can of petrol and a dipstick and enjoy your tour of Cornwall.

[kennatt]

if it was working before you had the heater fixed then something has been distrubed or left off during the work,if a garage did it take it back,if you did it go over the work and check the wirings,bet is that a wire to the gauge has been damaged or pulled off during fitting the heater.

[Dean]

Carry a 2 gallon can of petrol and a dipstick and enjoy your tour of Cornwall.

Quite a few of those about living by me.