Checking Your Autometer Fuel Pressure Sender: Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to check your AutoMeter fuel pressure sender, it's important to note that fuel level gauges are designed to work with specific sending units that vary across automobile manufacturers. AutoMeter offers gauge models that are compatible with the existing senders on most cars. To determine the correct gauge, you'll need to take ohm readings when the tank is full and empty. These readings are crucial as they correspond to the values published with AutoMeter gauges. Additionally, it's important to understand the function of the electrical wires on the sender. One wire should be a ground, connected to either the mounting strap or the frame, as it measures resistance to the ground. When it comes to the sender wire, this is responsible for transmitting the signal from the sender to the gauge on your dashboard. To test the sender, you can either remove the tank or check the resistance range by examining the wires connected to the gauge.

Check the electrical wires

Checking the electrical wires of your AutoMeter fuel pressure sender is a crucial step to ensure accurate readings and the proper functioning of your fuel level gauge. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Locating the Electrical Wires:

Start by locating the electrical wires on the top of the sender. Typically, there should be a minimum of two electrical wires, each serving an important function. One of these wires is the ground wire, and the other is the sender wire.

Inspecting the Ground Wire:

The ground wire is responsible for providing a ground connection for the sender. It should be attached to either the mounting strap or the frame of the vehicle. In some cases, such as in GM applications with a twist-lock design, there may be no ground wire. Instead, the ground connection is made through the contact of the "twist-lock" mount to the top of the fuel tank. If your fuel cell is made of plastic or fiberglass, it's important to run a ground wire to the frame to obtain accurate resistance and fuel level readings. Ensure that the ground connection is secure and free of corrosion for accurate readings.

Testing the Sender Wire:

The sender wire is responsible for transmitting the signal from the sender to the fuel level gauge on your dashboard. To test this wire, you have two options:

Option 1: Testing with the Tank Removed:

If you have the fuel tank removed from the vehicle, you can perform a direct test on the sender. Attach an ohmmeter or a multimeter to the sender and move the float arm or float up and down. You should see the resistance change on the meter, indicating the full and empty readings.

Option 2: Testing with the Tank Installed:

If you don't have the tank removed, you can still test the resistance range by checking the wires connected to the gauge in the dashboard. This method requires a bit more effort and time. Fill the tank with gas and check the ohm reading, then drive until the tank is almost empty and take another reading. This will help you understand the resistance range and ensure the sender wire is functioning correctly.

By following these steps and checking the electrical wires, you can ensure that your AutoMeter fuel pressure sender is correctly connected and providing accurate readings to your fuel level gauge.

Check the ground wire

Checking the ground wire of an AutoMeter fuel pressure sender is a crucial step to ensure accurate readings and proper gauge functioning. Here's a detailed guide on checking the ground wire:

Locate the Electrical Wires:

Start by locating the electrical wires on the top of the sender. There should be a minimum of two wires, including the ground wire. The ground wire is responsible for measuring resistance to the ground.

Verify the Ground Wire Connection:

Check if the ground wire is securely attached to either the mounting strap or the frame itself. A secure connection ensures accurate resistance measurements.

Twist-Lock Design:

Some vehicles, such as those with GM applications, may have a twist-lock design. In this case, there may not be a traditional ground wire. Instead, the ground connection is made through the contact of the "twist-lock" mount to the top of the fuel tank.

Fuel Cell Consideration:

If your vehicle has a fuel cell made of plastic or fiberglass, a ground wire is necessary. In this case, you must run a ground wire from the "twist-lock" mount to the frame of the vehicle to obtain accurate resistance and fuel level readings. This is because the "twist-lock" mount cannot conduct a ground connection through plastic or fiberglass.

Testing the Ground Connection:

To test the ground connection, you can use an ohmmeter or a multimeter. Connect the testing device to the ground wire and then move the float arm or float up and down. Observe the resistance change as you do this. This will help you verify that the ground wire is functioning correctly and providing accurate readings.

Remember, ensuring a proper ground connection is essential for the accurate functioning of your AutoMeter fuel pressure sender. Take your time to carefully inspect and test the ground wire, making any necessary adjustments to guarantee a secure and functional ground connection.

Check the sender wire

To check the sender wire, you will need to test the resistance range. If you have the tank down or off the vehicle, you can remove the sender and attach your ohmmeter or multimeter to it. Move the float arm or float up and down, and observe the resistance change. This is how you get your full and empty readings.

If you don't have the tank down, you can still test the resistance range. Check the wires right off the tank that go to the gauge in the dash. You can pull the gauge and test the resistance where the wires connected to the gauge. This requires more effort and time but is the only way to get a reading. To perform the test, fill the tank with gas and check the ohm reading, then drive until it is empty or almost empty and take another reading.

Take an ohm reading

To take an ohm reading, you will need to fill the tank with gas and check the ohm reading, then use the vehicle until the tank is empty or almost empty and take another reading. You can also check the wires right off the tank that go to the gauge in the dash. Alternatively, you can pull the gauge and test the resistance where the wires connect to the gauge. This requires more effort and time, but it is the only way to get a reading.

To test the fuel level gauge, you can pull the sender and attach your ohmmeter or multimeter to it. Then, move the float arm or float up and down and watch the resistance change. This is how you get your full and empty readings.

It is important to note that the ground wire is crucial for the correct functioning of the gauge. The ground wire is needed to obtain resistance and fuel level readings. Make sure that the ground wire is attached to either the mounting strap or the frame itself.

Check the sensor specifications

Checking the specifications of your AutoMeter sensor can help you identify whether it is working correctly or needs to be replaced.

Digital Stepper Motor (Full-Sweep Electric) Sensors

Firstly, check whether your sensor is a Digital Stepper Motor (Full-Sweep Electric) Sensor. If it is, then it will be labelled with the model number 2247, and will be a 2 Bar MAP Sensor.

Air-Core (Short-Sweep Electric) Sensors

Alternatively, your sensor may be an Air-Core (Short-Sweep Electric) Sensor. In this case, it will be labelled with the model number 2253 or 2254, and will be a pre-1995 model.

Oil Pressure Sensors

If you are checking the specifications of an oil pressure sensor, you will need to check the following:

• The sensor body material, which should be plated steel.
• The thread size, which should be 1/8 in. NPTF.
• The length of the sensor, which should be 3.25 in. from the end of the threads to the tip of the sensor stud.
• The diameter of the sensor, which should be 2 in.
• Whether an adapter bushing is included, which should be 1/4 in. NPT.

Pressure Sensors

If you are checking the specifications of a pressure sensor, you will need to check the following:

• The PSI range, which could be 0-15 PSI, 0-30 PSI, 0-60 PSI, or 0-100 PSI.
• The thread type, which should be 1/8" NPT Male.
• The voltage to pressure ratio.

Frequently asked questions