2008 196 Fuel Gauge Intermittent woNav Lights

[vtjc]

I have a 2008 Ski Nautique 196 Limited with Faria gauges, which are known to be problematic. For several seasons, my fuel gauge has been working sporadically, while the other gauges have been working consistently. I confirmed the sending unit is sending voltage correctly. Interestingly, when the navigation lights are on, the fuel gauge often functions after periods when it doesn’t function without the nav lights on. This is the season the gauge worked once or twice after winter storage, then not again for many outings. Last night, I went skiing near sunset and had the navigation lights on; the gauge started working again. I was on the verge of pulling the gauge and installing a new stepper motor and capacitors, but now it’s showing signs of life. Are there any diagnoses or repair suggestions for a single gauge that works when the navigation lights are on?

This thread and video are excellent resources for gauge repair.
https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/forum/nautique-topics/maintenance-technical-discussion/diy-articles/651086-repairing-dead-faria-gauges-driven-by-faria-gateway/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PR-77jDDNo

[SilentSeven]

curious. Subscribed as I have intermittent fuel gauge problems on my 2004.

[TechBeer]

Hi VTJC, I believe your fuel gauge is bad based on your description. I've seen all kinds of symptoms in my experience. If you want me to look at it PM me. I can test on the bench and let you know before doing any repairs.

BTW, those links above are from me.

Mark

[SilentSeven]

Question to vtjc - when you have fuel gauge issues, does your 'low fuel' warning light display as well? This is the light in the tachometer LCD display.

My low fuel light triggers when my gauge shows no fuel.. I believe this indicates a sender problem, not a gauge problem but I'm not 100% sure. Helpful to know what yours does.

[vtjc]

TechBeer Mark, thanks for the reply. I sent you a PM.

SilentSeven No, I don’t get a low fuel warning when the gauge is not working. I suspect the issue is with the gauge.

[SilentSeven]

Thanks. Helpful!

[TechBeer]

SilentSeven Yes, I agree with your assessment. If you know you have fuel in the tank and yet your gauge reads 0 AND you get the low fuel warning I believe your sender (or possibly wiring from sender) is bad. The sender reads ~240 ohms (or above) when the tank is empty. If you were ambitious you could put a multimeter on the sender outputs (one is ground) and see what it reads. IF you have a broken wire the resistance will be infinite and your gauge will read empty (and low fuel warning).