Fuel gauge inaccuracy cheap solution
Discussion
Hi Guys,
I just want to give you a solution to solve the inaccuracy and swinging fuel gauge problem on our S.
When the tank was full, the gauge said 3/4, and when the gauge said empty, I only filled 35L instead of the 57L tank capacity, pretty much as everybody here.
I started by removing the sender and understood the problem :
The sender float has a 160mm stroke and the tank is 270mm high..... First of all, I carefully bent the steel wire arm to obtain a 250mm strike (more or less) and with the correct start and stop point. This little mod only cost a new tank sender seal and make the gauge more accurate.... but it is always swinging.
The second point is a little electronic system, based on an Arduino board. You can find ready-to-install systems for approximately £80-£100, but this home made Arduino based system will only cost £10-£15. This system was designed by a French guy : http://a110a.free.fr/SPIP172/article.php3?id_artic...
The device is very clever. You just have to push on buttons to train the Arduino board. You push the button until the gauge needle reach 1/4 and you validate; then you do for 1/2 ; then 3/4 ; then full. The board make a linear regression between points and knows how to indicate x% on the gauge.
After that you train the sender. I put 5L in the empty tank and validate "empty" (5L is my security), I put 13L of fuel and validate 1/4....+13L 1/2...+13L...3/4....+13L full ! Now the board is able to read an accurate level in the tank.
I changed a little value in the given Arduino code to make a 60 seconds average ("int nech = 6000") and now I have a very accurate gauge for few quids
Fuel sender wires come in the car underneath the radio, so there is plenty of space to hide the box.
Here you can see the starting sequence, as soon as the gauge is calibrated
https://dai.ly/x701owd
I've used the system for several weeks and tank fillings. It works fine and I really appreciate
I just want to give you a solution to solve the inaccuracy and swinging fuel gauge problem on our S.
When the tank was full, the gauge said 3/4, and when the gauge said empty, I only filled 35L instead of the 57L tank capacity, pretty much as everybody here.
I started by removing the sender and understood the problem :
The sender float has a 160mm stroke and the tank is 270mm high..... First of all, I carefully bent the steel wire arm to obtain a 250mm strike (more or less) and with the correct start and stop point. This little mod only cost a new tank sender seal and make the gauge more accurate.... but it is always swinging.
The second point is a little electronic system, based on an Arduino board. You can find ready-to-install systems for approximately £80-£100, but this home made Arduino based system will only cost £10-£15. This system was designed by a French guy : http://a110a.free.fr/SPIP172/article.php3?id_artic...
The device is very clever. You just have to push on buttons to train the Arduino board. You push the button until the gauge needle reach 1/4 and you validate; then you do for 1/2 ; then 3/4 ; then full. The board make a linear regression between points and knows how to indicate x% on the gauge.
After that you train the sender. I put 5L in the empty tank and validate "empty" (5L is my security), I put 13L of fuel and validate 1/4....+13L 1/2...+13L...3/4....+13L full ! Now the board is able to read an accurate level in the tank.
I changed a little value in the given Arduino code to make a 60 seconds average ("int nech = 6000") and now I have a very accurate gauge for few quids
Fuel sender wires come in the car underneath the radio, so there is plenty of space to hide the box.
Here you can see the starting sequence, as soon as the gauge is calibrated
https://dai.ly/x701owd
I've used the system for several weeks and tank fillings. It works fine and I really appreciate
Fascinating. I've just bought an Arduino and will certainly be trying this out.
But be aware of this from CBS.
I haven't tried one, though I once met the guy who developed it, and saw him demonstrate it. And CBS have a pretty good reputation for products and service.
My first Arduino project will be a dual 3-level controller for the heated MX5 seats I've fitted.
But be aware of this from CBS.
I haven't tried one, though I once met the guy who developed it, and saw him demonstrate it. And CBS have a pretty good reputation for products and service.
My first Arduino project will be a dual 3-level controller for the heated MX5 seats I've fitted.
Gassing Station | S Series | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff