Fuel Gauge Wiring

Where does the power come from for the fuel gauge? I searched and found that 12V being applied directly to the fuel gauge will burn it up. With that in mind, where then do you get the power to the gauge? I know the sending unit is basically a resistor to change the current to the gauge.

 

This thread may help you.
fuel gauge wiring | EarlyCJ5.com

 

Thanks Dave!

 

Okay a I have a 2-post, so I need an external VR. Where do get one of those?

 

This should be what you have for your 66 jeep. If not then will need pic of your gauges.

 

I'm sorry - I should have been more clear - I have an aftermarket speedometer. Is that a VR built in? (fuel gauge on the left, in the second picture)

 

My fuel gauge was not working so I just tried the above. My Jeep is a 63 but the gauges look just like shown and my wire colors match also. The second I switched the key on there was a flash of light from the gauge which I can only guess was the regulator. The gauges still do not work but after that flash I suspect they won't.

It was a brand new gauge (with temp/fuel built in) so I am not sure where to go from here. I had also just installed a new fuel sending unit because I believed that was the root cause.

Bottom line I am pretty sure the diagram above has the hot (double green) and negative (white wire from sending unit) backwards. My gauge was wired up the other way to begin with.



On your gauge (OP) I believe the after market gauges have the regulators built in.

 

This is my main on only problem to solve now.
My odometer + gauges is new, my 2nd sender unit is new. I have a 1st new sender unit a little bit broken, but still working.
I have a 1971 CJ5.

With my 1st sender, when I was putting on the electricity, the gauge was moving, working 5 sec then back to zero.

With the new sender, no move at all. And it was made by a pro, he said to me : I don't understand.

So now I plan to make tests out of the Jeep;

1- test the gauge : I'll test with batteries 3, 5 volts, to see if it moves.

2 - then I'll test the sender unit Nr 1, even if broken a little bit, I'll see waht happens.

I take a note test after test.

When I know that all is working, I'll make a direct alim with a small battery to test.

I should find an independant gauge, I suppose it is an amperemeter. ohmmeter.

I thing tha tI have a friend in electricity to help me. I want to understand where is the problem.

 

For Focker: Your fuel gauge is not centered properly (as seen in the photo). The studs cannot touch the case. The cardboard backing on the fuel gauge needs to be oriented the same relationship to the case as is the temp gauge. One the fuel gauge is oriented properly then the metal strap will fit as designed.

 

I just looked at 4 of my temp gauges and the cardboard is marked the same as yours and they were all connected with the original strap. I think Howard is correct although I have never hooked one up with the jumper wire like you did. If it is working then good enough. Learned something new.