2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Fuel Gauge

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 30, 2008 | 08:53 PM
  #1  
wushu_rx7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Zoom Zoom Zoom
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Fuel Gauge

Hey I have an 88 RX7 and the fuel gauge isn't reading how much fuel there is... The fuel light comes on so I am thinking that it may be the gauge itself.. Could it be anything in the tank? Like the sending unit or something? I just want to have all possibilites before I start ripping things apart.... Thanks!!
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2008 | 09:13 PM
  #2  
t24todd's Avatar
RE_p Rotors
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 950
Likes: 0
From: Newport News/Fredericksburg
have you tried filling up the tank with gas off empty first? always start with the easy stupid things that almost everyone over looks. i hope your not that bad but hey there was a thread like 2 days identical to this.
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2009 | 01:44 PM
  #3  
wushu_rx7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Zoom Zoom Zoom
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Originally Posted by t24todd
have you tried filling up the tank with gas off empty first? always start with the easy stupid things that almost everyone over looks. i hope your not that bad but hey there was a thread like 2 days identical to this.
Yeah I have...lol.. The gauge has been below E since I bought the car.. The guy I bought it from says it's the floater?.. But would the fuel light still come on if the floater is stuck? I've never looked in the tank before so I have no idea what is going on in there.. Thanks
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2009 | 04:26 PM
  #4  
Jpk3200's Avatar
Jpk3200
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
The gauge reading below zero reminds me of a time when my sending unit went bad. I was driving along and all of a sudden watched my gauge go from 3/4 tank to well below zero in about 30 seconds. I replaced the sending unit in the tank and the gauge worked good as new.
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2009 | 07:47 PM
  #5  
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
Have RX-7, will restore
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 1,273
From: Ohio
pull the sender and measure the sender's resistance per the fsm
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2009 | 08:43 PM
  #6  
HAILERS's Avatar
HAILERS
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 20,563
Likes: 27
From: FORT WORTH, TEXAS,USA
Pull the fuel pump plug off. Momentarily put a ground on the output wire for the fuel level. If the key is to ON, the needle should start to rise. Just don't let it peg out. It's a W/G wire on the series four. For series five go look at the wiring diagram.

If the needle moves, then the problem isn't a plug inbetween the fuel pump plug and combination meter. If it moves, then remove the unit from the tank and do your best to see why it won't work. Then get a sender from the junk yard for ten bucks.
Attached Thumbnails Fuel Gauge-whitegreen.jpg  
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2009 | 10:11 PM
  #7  
HOZZMANRX7's Avatar
Driving RX7's since 1979
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (43)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 9
From: So Cal where the OC/LA/SB counties meet
The floater that talks to the fuel gauge is a different part than the little bullet like thing that tells you your fuel is low.

My bet, simply replace the floater and you'll be good.

I had a situation like yours, except in my case the gauge would drop to below empty once I got below 3/4 of a tank. Add a few gallons when it dropped, the gauge would register again. So, the floater couldn't see anything below 3/4 of a tank.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Snoopy FD
Build Threads
25
Dec 8, 2015 01:45 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:24 PM.