Hello I wonder if anyone can help My fuel gauge was not working on my 79 Bay, the last owner had crudely cut an access hatch so I removed the sender and the circuit board was fried. I ordered a new sender and when I plugged it in it started to smoke a little, I quickly removed it and after some research can only assume that the voltage regulator is to blame. I have checked the new sender and it seems to work ok showing between 8 and 80 ohms. Looking at the regulator it seems to be working and gets warm but I don’t think it is regulating the voltage as it has 12 volts going in and 12 volts coming out to the gauge, the other gauge terminal (to the sender) then reads between 1.9 volts and 12 volts depending on how long you wait for it to move up and down. This reading is reflected in the wire to the sender. I assume that the 12 volts was cooking the sender as I have read that they need between 4 and 10 volts (depending on where you read). The gauge seems to work as it does rise if the sender wire is earthed but it only rises if the voltage is higher. i.e. if it is 1.9 volts then it does not move but if it is 12 volts then it goes to the top. I will replace the voltage regulator and this should then be ok with the new sender but the question is will the faulty voltage regulator have damaged the gauge? Thanks
Thanks for the reply, I had read this already and once I have replaced the regulator i will test the gauge. If it does not work does anyone know where I can get a replacement gauge from as I can’t seem to see any available. Thanks.
I finally managed to get hold of a voltage regulator and it now reduces the voltage to a steady 6 volts, however, the fuel gauge does not work and I think will need replacing. I now have about .9 volts from the gauge to the sender but the gauge does not work at all. Does anyone know where I can get a new gauge from? I can’t see any for a 79 Bay, would a Beetle one be adaptable to fit (up the other way) and work with electrics? Thanks
Would this work? http://www.machine7.com/product.php?xProd=3241&xSec=2175&jssCart=4124205aeb66c6f4a6f59d0b604bbccf
I can only suggest that you get on the phone and ring a few suppliers... I find it really hard to believe that something like that would have been discontinued
If you've got one of the newer regulators (either a zener diode or transistorised), they should give a steady voltage at the output terminal. 6V sounds about right. These should be readily available. The older thermal ones will give a pulsed voltage on the output, which is difficult to measure.
Thanks for the suggestions. I have managed to find a used one for £50, does anyone know the part number so I can check, however I can’t see a part number on mine! I did also find on VW Heritage a parts finder application (link below) they have a range of fuel gauges listed but without the part number I am unsure which would fit. http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_act_vwclassicparts.home_lang_EN_country_GB.htm
Thanks – I sent an e-mail and the response was…. Sadly these original gauges are now obsolete, we can only suggest trying to source a good used one through the type 2 owners club, thelatebay.com or a specialist breakers. Alternatively we can offer a universal VDO item, but that would require changing the sender in the fuel tank too. Looks like a used one is the only way forward if I want to keep the dashboard original. Is £50 an acceptable amount for a tested used unit?
Gonna be the going rate dude... once things like that are discontinued then the second hand market starts going through the roof!!
Fuel gauge on EBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Type-2-Bay-Window-Fuel-Gauge-1973-75-/320997920989?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3AVW%7CPlat_Gen%3AMk+II&hash=item4abcf790dd#ht_500wt_922
