Following a monthly maintenance schedule is one of the most effective methods that can help you extend the performance of your unit.
Issues with gauges and other indicators are quite common when you don’t give attention to maintenance.
If excessive debris and salt are not removed from the unit, it can disrupt the flow of water and cause issues with the wiring connections.
So, to avoid this issue, you should follow a strict maintenance schedule.
Recently there have been many reports regarding the fuel gauge on the boat not working.
If you’re also running into similar issues, then the following list of solutions might help you get around this problem.
Fuel Gauge on Boat Not Working
- Check Sender
A defective sender is one of the leading reasons why you’re unable to get any reading from your fuel gauge.
Most of the time, the connection with the sender and the float switch is not managed properly.
This is why you can’t get any information on the fuel levels. So, to get around this problem, you will have to start the fix by checking the sender.
In most situations, you can isolate the problem with the help of a multimeter. Just use this device on the terminals, and it will help you identify the problem.
If you don’t get the desired reading on the multimeter, then the only thing you can do is install a replacement unit. Hopefully, the gauge issue will be fixed after you manage your sending unit.
- Secure Connections
Over time, a lot of rust and corrosion can disrupt the flow of power from the wires to the connection points.
So, even if your sending unit is in perfect condition, there is a good chance that you’re dealing with rusty connection points. The best thing that you can do in this situation relies on the use of vinegar solution.
Use a brush and dip it in the vinegar solution. After that, you can wipe away the rust from the corroded connection points.
You’ll also be able to remove any residue with a dry cloth. Hopefully, everything will be fixed at this stage, and you will be able to manage the fuel efficiency better.
- Check for Resistance
If your issue is not fixed at this stage, then you need to check for resistance between the power unit and the ground on your sending unit.
This will help you identify whether or not you’re running into grounding issues.
If you get no reading on the measuring device, then you will have to manage the ground wire to get ahead of the gauge problem.
All in all, you will often find that the issue can be traced back to a defective sender. So, make sure to start from the sending unit and work your way to the wiring and battery unit in your boat.
You should also rely on help from local experts if you are not too experienced in troubleshooting these problems.
Ideally, the issue should be fixed once you go through these troubleshooting methods. But, if you’re still having issues, then calling customer support is your best bet.
You should have a good understanding on how to fix the issue after going through these points.
Most often than not, the problem is related to the hardware. You need to figure out what is wrong with the hardware to accurately limit and address these errors.
Ninety percent of the time, you can just secure the connections properly and ensure that there is nothing blocking the flow of power.
From there, you can also check the installation and other errors to limit and address these complications. So, keep all of these things in mind when you can’t seem to fix the issue on your end.
- Replace Fuel Gauge
Now the common misunderstanding that you’ll find in the community is that people believe that you can service the fuel gauge. The truth is that you can’t.
There are no serviceable parts and you will find that this gauge is completely sealed.
The seal is in place to protect the gauge from outside influences and you should be able to secure a robust enough response from this gauge.
However, what can you do about the situations when the fuel gauge seal is broken or the condition is a bit too rough?
The answer here is “nothing.” You can’t do anything substantial on your end to fix the fuel gauge and will have to buy a new one.
The good thing still is that the new fuel gauge won’t sting your budget. If you have a small budget and are a bit tight with your money, there is no need for concern.
Spending a few bucks on your local store or reaching out to an online store for a compatible replacement will have you sorted out. The only complication that arises is when you try to fix the gauge or somehow service it up.
If you’re sure that the connections are in good shape and that there are no issues with the power side of things, then fixing these errors will come easily to you.
Hopefully, you won’t have to run into the same errors when struggling with these issues.
- Hire An Expert
If you are done with the hassle and don’t want to put in any more time on your end, then don’t!
You can just call in an expert to help you out and he or she will be more than happy to take charge.
You might have to spend money on the hiring fee, but a few bucks are worth saving hours of your time (isn’t that true?).
So, why would you spend more of your time trying to get through this hassle? Just pay the fee and have the expert change the gauge for you.
The best thing here is that the expert will do a cleaner job when it comes to replacing the fuel gauge. You will not have to worry as much about the same errors again.
On the other hand, if you do decide to go cheap and save a few bucks, then you will only be creating a complicated situation for yourself.
You won’t be able to fix the system on your own, and getting help from the expert is usually a better idea.
The only hassle that you will have to go through is explaining the situation. Other than that, you only job is paying the minimal fee and having the expert fix the boat for you.
So, sit back, relax, and let the experts take charge.
Hopefully, now you will have a good idea on the effort it takes to fix the fuel gauge. We will like to remind you one more time that the fuel gauge is not a serviceable component.
You can’t just expect to clean up the gauge and have it work perfectly. Instead, you have to change the fuel gauge and start from scratch. So, be sure to have that in mind when you’re stuck.
Conclusion
After going through the details listed here, you’ll at least be able to get a good idea of how to fix the fuel gauge.
It will be or can be a bit complicated for some people, but a basic understanding of the wiring structure should help you out.
To start the troubleshooting routine, you will have to check up on the wiring side of things and make sure that there are no issues on that end.
From there, you can check for damaged contact points and fix the situation accordingly.
Next, you also gotta check the condition of the fuel gauge itself.
There might be hardware issues like cracks on the gauge and that can create long term errors with the system.
Lastly, you just have to get a new fuel gauge and installing that onto your boat. It will sting your budget, but a small sting is much better than hours of wasted time.
Hopefully, you will never have to worry about the same errors again.
We will also recommend that you spend some time with a local expert if you don’t have an idea on how to take care of your boat.
Just make sure that this expert has a decent bit of experience and is willing to go on a few fishing trips with you. That will be more than enough to help you out in the long run.