XJS ( X27 ) 1975 - 1996 3.6 4.0 5.3 6.0

Dodgy Fuel Gauge

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Old Jul 12, 2020 | 11:19 AM
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Robbo D's Avatar
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Default Dodgy Fuel Gauge

Hi all.
Went out for a proper drive today and thought I should put some petrol in. Gauge went up to 3/4 then after a while dropped to a 1/4 then empty basically it’s all over the place. I had the sender out a few weeks ago as I didn’t think it was right but after testing it out it seemed ok so put it back. Does this look like a new sender is needed. All my other gauges are working as they should.
Rob.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2020 | 11:47 AM
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Does it work right if you tap on the gauge cluster? Mine does that to. Loose connection behind the cluster.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2020 | 03:33 AM
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Originally Posted by VancouverXJ6
Does it work right if you tap on the gauge cluster? Mine does that to. Loose connection behind the cluster.
Sorry for the late reply. Tapping on the gauge doesn’t make any difference.
Rob.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2020 | 04:48 AM
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In your position I would run the fuel down low and remove the sender, Then ask a friend to move the sender arm, ignition on, and see what the gauge does. FWIW, my money is on a duff sender. Also test that the low fuel light is working properly at the same time. mark the wires where they go, it is easy to forget!
 
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Old Jul 14, 2020 | 05:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Greg in France
In your position I would run the fuel down low and remove the sender, Then ask a friend to move the sender arm, ignition on, and see what the gauge does. FWIW, my money is on a duff sender. Also test that the low fuel light is working properly at the same time. mark the wires where they go, it is easy to forget!
Hi Greg.
I have had the sender out and tested like you said and it seemed fine. I cleaned up the contacts etc and put it back thinking it was sorted. Anyway I have just ordered a new sender and will see what happens when I fit it.
Cheers Rob.
 
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Old Jul 21, 2020 | 05:29 PM
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Rob

You haven't said what year is your car?

If it's a late car, the symptoms you've described seem far more reflective of a failing anti-slosh module than a sender unit.

Don't condemn the sender unit until youve bypassed the module and then see if you still have the issue.

Good luck

Paul

 
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Old Jul 22, 2020 | 12:48 AM
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My car had the same problem turned out to be a bad solder joint on the sender.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2020 | 01:02 AM
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1991 pre face lift so I don’t think it has the anti slosh module. Anyway I have fitted a new sender and it all seems ok. I will know more after going out for a run.
Rob.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2020 | 01:23 AM
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Dont forget to update.... how much was the new unit?
Mine never reads over 3/4 full.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2020 | 05:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Dukejag
Dont forget to update.... how much was the new unit?
Mine never reads over 3/4 full.
Will do. Probably won’t be taking the car out until the weekend. The sender came from here.

https://www.britishparts.co.uk/class...nk-sender-p153

Cheers Rob.
 
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Old Jul 26, 2020 | 07:10 AM
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Hi all.
Just been out in the car to Halfords as they have a 20% off deal on Meguiars so I topped up my detailing supplies. Anyway fuel gauge is now working fine and reading steady with the new sender fitted so a faulty sender was the problem.
Cheers Rob.
PS better go and get the DA Polisher out 😀
 
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