Gas gauge not working

[moguy1973]

Anyone know where to start trouble shooting a gas gauge that doesn't work?  Boat is an 08 Tracker 175 TXW. 

[Deadstream]

Out of gas?    Fuse?

[fishinwrench]

First verify that you are getting 12v to the red & black guage terminals when the ignition key is in the ON position. (A quick and easy way is to turn the nav lights on....If the guage light comes on then you probably are)

If no voltage to the guage... find out why and fix it.

If guage is getting voltage... turn the key off and connect a ohmmeter between the sender terminal (white or brown wire usually) and the black terminal, then rock the boat.  The resistance reading should jump around.

If the resistance reading doesn't change....the sender is bad.

If it does..., the guage is bad.

[dave potts]

I've got a similar problem which I just noticed when I put the boat into winter storage last winter.  Haven't got it out yet to look into the problem but was wondering Wrench, what is the approximate cost on replacing a sender or gauge?

[fishinwrench]

Sender's vary in design (30.00 - 80.00+)

Guages run about 26.00 - 40.00 depending on bezel and faceplate design. 

As for average labor on a sender swap...It depends on how hard the tank is to get to.  Most bassboats are a piece of cake, but some of the newer ones are a real beech. 

Some Stratus and Skeeter rigs require removal of the steering helm to replace guages, and that takes about an hour.  Otherwise guage swaps can be done in 15-20 minutes.

 

[dave potts]

Thanks Wrench.  As I now recall I think on my next to last trip out last year the needle on the gauge would swing erratically even with the boat setting on dry ground (no sloshing of gas).  Then on the next trip when I put it up for the winter the needle wouldn't move at all.  Years ago, I had a Ford bronco and one day the needle showed empty when I knew it had gas and that turned out to be the sender.