Will it explode?
Moderator: RichardW
Will it explode?
Hi everyone, I am thinking of doing some tests on my 'stuck' XM fuel guage this weekend and a silly thought crossed my mind. The fuel sender end is supposed to be a variable resistance and I am quite handy with a multimeter. So will the tiny current while measuring the sensor cause the fuel tank to explode??? Never heard of such a case and no harm asking but really like some assurance. Thanks
Your multimeter will function at about 9 volts but only actually puts out any current on the resistance settings. The actual current is tiny as there are resistors in series to get the correct reading. On the other settings the battery in the meter is in fact only powering the display system.
So use the meter as a voltmeter or indeed as an ammeter and you will be using the car's supply which will in fact be greater than the power used to measure resistance.
Jeremy
So use the meter as a voltmeter or indeed as an ammeter and you will be using the car's supply which will in fact be greater than the power used to measure resistance.
Jeremy
Hi guys , tnxs for the feedback. The guage is kind of stuck midway as the previous owner hv emphasised to fill her up when the needle is at the halfway mark.Anything lower you may hv to do some pushing. Guage level drops to zero with engine off so will do some tests from the fuel sender end.
Bye everyone and hv a nice wkend.
Bye everyone and hv a nice wkend.
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To summarise, the current through the meter is much less than the current through the goo-age when it is working normally, so no bang!
However, will it tell you anything useful? If the gauge is either permanently on full or not working at all. you do not need a meter - disconnecting and shorting the sender lead out will tell you if it is the problem.
If the unit is sticking, you will just need to take it out and have a look.
HTH
However, will it tell you anything useful? If the gauge is either permanently on full or not working at all. you do not need a meter - disconnecting and shorting the sender lead out will tell you if it is the problem.
If the unit is sticking, you will just need to take it out and have a look.
HTH
Hi guys ,
What a relief that this forum is back! Kudos to those who work so hard to bring this back.
Now my tests on the fuel guage sender seems to indicate that the display is working so maybe the sender is stuck halfway. There is also some extra wiring piggyback to the 5 pin connector and so far have worked out that some fuel pump modifications had been done. Anybody here knows the pin connections for the plug? Appreciate some help. Thanks
What a relief that this forum is back! Kudos to those who work so hard to bring this back.
Now my tests on the fuel guage sender seems to indicate that the display is working so maybe the sender is stuck halfway. There is also some extra wiring piggyback to the 5 pin connector and so far have worked out that some fuel pump modifications had been done. Anybody here knows the pin connections for the plug? Appreciate some help. Thanks