69 FB - gas gauge always reading FULL - RESOLVED

[eeclark]

Symptom:
The gas gauge is always reading full.

Action taken #1: (Key turned ON - powered ON)
1. Pulled lead wire (brown) from the top of the sending unit.

Result:
No change - gauge still reads FULL

Action taken #2: (Key turned ON - powered ON)
1. Reattached lead wire (brown) to the top of the sending unit.
2. Added a temporary wire from the body (ground) and touched a bolt head on the sender.

Result:
No change - gauge still reads FULL

Action taken #3: (Key turned ON - powered ON)
1. Pulled lead wire (brown) from the top of the sending unit.
2. Touched lead wire (brown) to ground screw.

Result:
No change - gauge still reads FULL

Action taken #4:
1. Car turned off. Key removed.

Result:
No change - gauge still reads FULL

Note: When the key is turned, it does sound like there is activity (sloshing) in the tank.

Any help is appreciated.
I do have an ohmeter / voltmeter available.
_________________
Ed
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1958 VW Euro Beetle from Sweden
1969 VW Type 3 Fastback from California

[sjbartnik]

If it still reads full with key off then it sounds like it might be mechanically stuck (the gauge, not the float). It should drop to empty with no power.
_________________
1965 Volkswagen 1500 Variant S
2000 Kawasaki W650

[eeclark]

Thanks. I figured as much but wanted a sanity check.
_________________
Ed
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1958 VW Euro Beetle from Sweden
1969 VW Type 3 Fastback from California

[eeclark]

So the next question is... is there a way to get it unstuck?
_________________
Ed
-------------------------------------
1958 VW Euro Beetle from Sweden
1969 VW Type 3 Fastback from California

[eeclark]

Killed power from battery
Pulled gauge from dash
(Reached up, squeezed clips, pushed gauge out slightly)
Pulled wiring harness / block off the backside of the gauge
Tapped on the side of the gauge twice
Needle dropped to zero
Reinstalled gauge
Ensured clips clicked
Pushed wire block onto the back of the gauge
Powered up
Key turned to ignition
Gauge actuated and now reads properly
_________________
Ed
-------------------------------------
1958 VW Euro Beetle from Sweden
1969 VW Type 3 Fastback from California

[sjbartnik]

Nice!

Next time just rap on the face of the gauge with your finger
_________________
1965 Volkswagen 1500 Variant S
2000 Kawasaki W650