Fuel gauge malfunction

[gforce66]

I noticed that the pointer in my fuel gauge (Auto Meter Sport Comp) is now pointing roughly to the 3 o'clock position after doing some welding on the car. I disconnected the battery before I started, and I also discharged the cap on the stereo. Have any of you guys had a similar experience? I have not done anything to the wires at the tank other than move them around.
Grant

[Custom Jim]

Is it that way after reconnecting the battery and turning on the ignition ?. If so then I would try disconnecting the sending unit wire and grounding it to see if the gauge moves to empty and when disconnected from the tank if it goes above full.
I have seen some gauge needles creep or move but once the proper signals are sent to it they return and read like they should.

Jim

[Philip]

Welding on cars can very harmful to lots of components. The circuits with resistance type controls, like fuel, water and oil gauges and the senders are most vulnerable. Disconnecting the battery doesn't do much to protect the electrical system as everything is tied together thru the ground circuit.

It can also damage bearings in transmissions, rear ends and at the wheels from the current arcing across the rollers. Always keep your ground clamp as close as possible to the area being welded to avoid current flowing thru other areas of the vehicle.

[gforce66]

Thanks Jim, I will try disconnecting the sending wire and grounding it, it might be as simple as a bad ground. Philip, good point as well, I did have the ground just a couple of inches from where I was welding. I will pass this one along to a couple friends of mine.
Grant

[gforce66]

FYI guys, Jim was right...partially! I needed a new ground as well! Thanks for the help guys.
Grant

[Custom Jim]

FYI guys, Jim was right...partially! I needed a new ground as well! Thanks for the help guys.
Grant

What was the rest of it to make it right ?

Jim

[gforce66]

Jim,
The I checked the gauge function like you advised, and voila, I needed a new ground. So maybe more than partially right ;)


Thanks
Grant