Frequently Asked Questions

I've got an LS based engine, how can I install an oil pressure and water temperature gauge?

Despite some metric threads on the engine, it's actually pretty easy to do.

Why does my fuel level gauge bounce around when I am driving?

If your fuel level gauge stays still when the car is still, the problem is due to sloshing fuel in the tank. When the vehicle is in motion, fuel is allowed to move back and forth and move, or “slosh” around. Many late model tanks have internal baffling and some fuel cells use a foam insert that help keep fuel from moving around too much. When the fuel is moving around, it is moving the float up and down on the sender, which causes the gauge to respond by moving back and forth. Some OEM’s have also used what is called “anti-slosh modules” to battle this problem in production vehicles. Some amount of slosh or movement is normal with a non-baffled or a non-foam filled tank.

Why don't the pressure and temp gauges fit my specific vehicle?

The main reason is every vehicle on the road today has different locations for the pressure and coolant temp sensors, not to mention thread sizes. Using oil pressure as an example, it is recommended that a tee fitting be used so you can add the new Auto Meter sender while retaining the OE sender.

How do I install my mechanical temperature gauges and capillary tubing?

When installing one of Auto Meter mechanical temperature gauges, you should first be aware of the fact that you will need to drill or cut a 7/8" hole in your firewall to route the capillary tubing. This is must be done because the capillary tubing can not be removed from the back of the gauge or the sealing nut without damaging the line itself. Company include a grommet to fill the hole you drill, so there is not a gaping hole in your firewall.

Some helpful hints to successfully install your fuel level gauge

Be sure that the sending unit has a second wire coming off of it and going to a common chassis ground. Make sure that wire is in good shape and is making a god clean connection.
Verify the model number of the gauge to make sure its resistance range matches the resistance range of the sending unit in your vehicle.
Measure the empty and full resistance range of your sender if you are unsure of its range.
Verify 12 volts, measuring across the “I” and “GND” terminals on the back of the gauge with the key on.
Do not attempt to run the factory gauge and your Auto Meter gauge at the same time on the same sender.

My fuel level gauge has a problem. Start here to learn how it works

All Auto Meter fuel level gauges and most OEM fuel level gauges operate on the same principle. They operate the same way as an ohm meter and measure resistance to ground, but only within a calibrated range and direction. Power & ground is supplied to the gauge to power the meter. A signal is produced on the “S” terminal, which is then connected to the fuel tank sending unit. The fuel tank sender then receives that signal and varies resistance to ground. The sender can be thought of as nothing more than a variable resistor. This is why the sender also needs to have a 2nd wire going to a common chassis ground, otherwise the sender would not have the ability to vary resistance to ground.

Can I install a fuel pressure gauge inside my car in the dash?

For safety reasons, all Mechanical fuel pressure gauges must be mounted outside of the vehicle, unless you use a fuel pressure isolator. In low pressure applications (0-15 PSI) company offer fuel pressure gauges that include the isolator and 4 ft. of braided line between the gauge and the isolator. The isolator keeps any fuel inside the engine compartment behind the firewall and not in the passenger compartment.