American Motors/fuel gauge

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Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 6/14/2006


Question
I have a 1976 Matador that I have been restoring.
I can't seem to get the gas gauge to work. I've pulled the tank and replaced the sending unit. while the tank is on the ground the gauge works fine or with the sending unit just spliced in to the wires in the trunk it works. But when I replace the tank in the car it will not work. A check of the ohms at the trunk show the sending unit with correct ohms and the ohms decrease as I add fuel. I've checked the ground and it's good.
What is going on?

Answer
I need more info.
Disconnect the wire at the fuel tank sender and ground it. Turn on the ignition key. The gauge should go to "FULL".
If it does, you have a problem in the tank sender unit.
If it does not got to "FULL", you have a problem either in the wiring to the instrument panel, the gauge, or CVR.
Do not leave it grounded very long, 15 - 30 seconds.
Also, does your tempurature gauge work OK?
Let me know what you find.
My email is kepilotte@yahoo.com
Kevin

American Motors

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Kevin Pilotte

Expertise

I can answer many technical questions relating to AMC vehicles prior to 1979. I also have experience with Rambler & Nash vehicles.

Experience

I am a former AMC technician, service writer and service manager. I have worked in AMC dealers in Illinois in the 70's. After college, I was a Field Service Rep for American Motors Sales Corporation, working out of the Chicago Zone office. I traveled to AMC dealers assisting in the diagnosis and repair of AMC vehicles. I was also the Area Training Manager for DeLorean Motor Company. I have 10+ years as an Automotive Instructor. I have modified and restored
numerous AMC vehicles. I have been working on AMC vehicles for over 30 years.

Organizations
I have been an ASE Certified Master Technician since 1975. This includes L1. I am also currently a Toyota Certified Master Diagnostic Technician.

Publications
I have articles in "American Motoring", the official publication of the American Motors Owners Association. They are the largest AMC club in the world.

Education/Credentials
I have a certificate I printed out from a website.

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