Fuel Gauge Not Working — NEW Fuel Level Sender

[944tptplayer]

Hello,

I just replaced the fuel level sender on my 1986 951. Prior to replacing I used to get a reading above the empty mark, but then it started always showing empty. So I got a new Level Sender from our host here and the gauge still isn't working.

Where should I look next?

Thanks!

[944 Ecology]

Test the sender by removing it from the car, connecting the electric connector, turn on the ignition and turn the sender upside down, then right side up while watching the fuel gauge. A good sender will move the gauge needle smoothly. If the sender is good, then it's the gauge or the wiring between the sender and the gauge. (Just because it's new doesn't mean that it is good.) BTW, you have a lifetime warranty on that part.

[944tptplayer]

Thanks, I will try that. I should have when I was installing it, but I figured, "it's new, it should work!".

Aside from that, is there anything I can do by jumping terminals on the plug that will tell me if there's bad wiring involved?

[944 Ecology]

Fuel Level Indication Problems / Repairs

[zedsn]

The float runs on a very thin wire inside. I have taken them apart before to clean and repair. Maybe the new one is defective? You should be able to test it with a multimeter.

[944tptplayer]

Thanks, everybody. I removed the fuel sender and did the usual test by tilting it back and forth with the key in the ignition and the gauge worked fine. When I installed the sender back in the tank the level once again read low so I determined that I likely didn't have as much gas as I had thought. After a fill up, all seems good. I should have tried that initially.

Thanks again.