Fluctuating Fuel Gauge Reading after Battery Change

[michaelbryant]

Hi All,

I just put in a new battery, after my old one slowly died. The charging system seems to be working fine, keeping the charge up around 12.9+ after riding (testing when off).
But the fuel gauge goes up and down slowly between mid-full and empty as I ride (I have a full tank). Could it just be that I need to refill the tank to reset the sensor?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[Bush]

Could it just be that I need to refill the tank to reset the sensor?

No. Sounds more like a loose electrical connection somewhere or a possible short on the tank sending unit's coil.

You probably should also check you alternator output with the bike running, to be sure your old battery died a normal death. Should see 14+ volts on the voltmeter at the battery when running with the RPM up @ 4000.

 

[michaelbryant]

Thanks, I appreciate the help. I'll check into that now...


The alternator is putting out 14.4 volts @ about 2800 RPM (using the choke -- I only have two hands!). But that seems adequate.

I guess I'll check the wiring next. Something could have been bumped or pulled, I did pull out the fuse box, and disconnected an
old wire that used to go to a radar detector from the "Accessory Fuse Box" that sits behind the main fuse box.

 

[michaelbryant]

Solved! The connecting plug from the fuel level sensor and what eventually leads to the fuel gauge was corroded inside. A little electrical spray and some scraping, and presto!
All back to Normal. It's good to have friends to scratch your head with-- FWTBT, who I met in this forum, and who has an ST1100 too, helped me out, and we solved it together. Great forum; great people!

 

[Bush]

Glad you found the fix so quickly and easily.