Fuel Gauge Variation

[Sam Johnson]

Looking for Suggestions

On Wednesday May 21 I filled the previous gas tank, now a diesel tank, on my  recently converted 1988 Vanagon GL (installed a 1.9 TD about two months ago).  All day I ran errands and the fuel gauge stayed right on full, where I would expect it.

On Thursday when I was driving I saw that the fuel gauge was at 1/2, it then went to 3/4 and a little while later to E and then back to 1/2.  It continued to jump around like that all day Thurday and again today.

About 4-5 months ago I installed the kit to address the Vanagon overflow problem.  At that time I checked the float mechanism.  It was in good shape and functioning probably so I did not change it.  Would switching from gas to diesel fuel make it go bad??

It is also possible the gauge itself has gone out or perhaps the voltage stabilizer behind the dash or

Anyone experienced this type problem with their fuel gauge?  Any suggestions how to pinpoint or solve the problem?

Thanks for your assistance.

Sam
Tucson, AZ

[neimis]

I don't know if this will help, but on the Passat B3 (1989-1993) the voltage stabilizer and/or cracked solder joints on the instrument panel are known culprits for this type of symptom.

My fuel gauge problems were solved with a new voltage stabilzer, others have reported resoldering the joints and solving the problem.

I don't know if this is at all applicable to your vehicle. Good luck tracking this down...