Adding a "Low Fuel" Light?
Adding a "Low Fuel" Light?
I've got a 2006 Street Bob that I'm getting ready to switch the tank on. I'm going with one from Cory over at Maindrive Cycles. It is a sweet little tank and uses a Sporty fuel pump due to its size.
In any case, I am going to relocate my speedo using a Joker Machine side mount, so that is all well and good. My issue though is that I'm not sure what to do for a low fuel indicator. I'm going to lose my fuel gauge (which never worked right after I put a tank lift on my stock tank).
Is there a way I can wire up a low fuel light (not a whole gauge)?
Thanks, guys!
In any case, I am going to relocate my speedo using a Joker Machine side mount, so that is all well and good. My issue though is that I'm not sure what to do for a low fuel indicator. I'm going to lose my fuel gauge (which never worked right after I put a tank lift on my stock tank).
Is there a way I can wire up a low fuel light (not a whole gauge)?
Thanks, guys!
Last edited by sintax; Aug 14, 2012 at 07:15 AM.
I see a faint outline of a low fuel indicator on my speedo. Does anyone know if that is something that can be adjusted for the smaller tank I'm going to be running or is it set at the factory for the stock tank size only.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 6
From: Arkansas
Not sure if motorcycle fuel systems are like cars. But the level indicator should work off of a float. And the float is usually part of the fuel sender. So if this system is already part of the new pump, then you should only need to wire it up. If it isnt, then IDK. You would probably have to cut a new hole in the tank to install an aftermarket float system. Also, make sure you use an "intrinsically safe" wiring method for connecting the system.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
the fuel light gets turned on by the ECM when a low condition is read by the sending unit . It does this by sending a signal (actually turning off a circuit) roughly like this:
ECM ==> Gauge ==> Speedo Fuel Light
If you can get a compatible sending unit in the tank and use alittle resistor magic or guts from a working gauge to fool the ECM into thinking the gauge is still present then YES, you CAN make the low fuel light work. Im just not sure its worth the trouble. I lost my fuel gauge on my FXD because i mounted the ignition switch in its place. For miles and months now I've been saying I was gonna get the Low fuel light working but honestly its just not an issue.
I know i need to fill my tank up at around 160 miles with room left to spare. You also get use to listening to the fuel slosh when you pick the bike up off the stand just like back in the dirt bike days
Maybe one day I'll do it but probably I'll end up disabling the light completely first (with the gauge not present in a otherwise working setup the fuel light is always on)
Have also kicked around the idea of using a universal sending unit and building a small led gauge mounted, in my case in the trim ring of the switch... but who knows if I'll ever actually do it. I have some schematics for such if you are interested
ECM ==> Gauge ==> Speedo Fuel Light
If you can get a compatible sending unit in the tank and use alittle resistor magic or guts from a working gauge to fool the ECM into thinking the gauge is still present then YES, you CAN make the low fuel light work. Im just not sure its worth the trouble. I lost my fuel gauge on my FXD because i mounted the ignition switch in its place. For miles and months now I've been saying I was gonna get the Low fuel light working but honestly its just not an issue.
I know i need to fill my tank up at around 160 miles with room left to spare. You also get use to listening to the fuel slosh when you pick the bike up off the stand just like back in the dirt bike days
Maybe one day I'll do it but probably I'll end up disabling the light completely first (with the gauge not present in a otherwise working setup the fuel light is always on)Have also kicked around the idea of using a universal sending unit and building a small led gauge mounted, in my case in the trim ring of the switch... but who knows if I'll ever actually do it. I have some schematics for such if you are interested
Last edited by onemyndseye; Aug 14, 2012 at 08:10 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
You shouldn't depend on some light to tell you when it's time to fill your tank.
Reset the trip odometer every time you fill your tank. Keep track of your fuel consumption and you can read your odometer just like a precision fuel level indicator.
Reset the trip odometer every time you fill your tank. Keep track of your fuel consumption and you can read your odometer just like a precision fuel level indicator.
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