Go Back   986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners > New Members - Start here! > New Member Introductions

Post Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-12-2017, 03:10 PM   #1
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: FL
Posts: 9
re-calibrate gas gauge

Hello everyone.
I am new to the forum and want to wish all happy holidays!
I bought a 1998 boxster recently with a check light on and a gas gauge needle stuck on or near empty.
I am a retired guy trying to do as many DIY jobs as I can on my own.
So I replaced the sending unit with a new one. The old sending unit seemed to be the original one and was in really bad shape. The float was froze and all metals were corroded.
After the replacement I started the car and the needle on the gas gauge moved up to almost to the 1/4 tank mark and the check engine light went out. I felt proud I had done my first DIY job. However that happy feeling did not last long. I took the car to fill up the tank and when I started it again the needle moved a bit and stopped at the original empty or nearly empty mark. The check engine light came on again.
Now that the sending unit is new I am back focusing on the fuel gauge.
I understand from reading online that the gauge needs to be recalibrated. There is little information that I can find with regards on how to recalibrate. I saw a youtube video where where a someone said to remove the lens over the gauge and with your finger to manually move the needle up to the full position with the ignition key in the off position when the tank is full. He claims when the ignition key is turn on again the needle should now stay up at full mark and that's how this issue gets fixed.
The guy demonstrated this on a Honda Civic but said this is generally done on most makes of cars. But I am just afraid to make things worse by physically messing with the needle.
Has anyone had a similar experience and know how to re-calibrate or do whatever needs to be done to fix this issue? Any information will be highly appreciated.


Last edited by 1998; 12-13-2017 at 05:48 AM.
1998 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2017, 09:28 AM   #2
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Stow, MA
Posts: 918
Garage
You should also get a code reader that supports the Porsche-specific codes. Most swear to the Porsche Durametric Enthusiast.

Until you know what's causing the CEL you are groping in the dark.
__________________
2004 Boxster S Silver - FUNTOY
2002 Boxster Base Guardsy Red - FUNBOX
1987 Caterham Super 7 1700 Supersprint
2009 Mercedes Benz CLK 350 convertible
1941 Dodge Luxury Liner Coupe
Anker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2017, 10:31 AM   #3
Registered User
 
BYprodriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: O.C. CA
Posts: 3,709
Garage
Fuel gauge calibration requires the Factory Diagnostic tool & a certain fuel level. Seek out a independent that has this as they should be cheaper than a Porsche Dealer.
Quetions like this should be posted in the technical colum for best responce. Welcome to the forum!
__________________
OE engine rebuilt,3.6 litre LN Engineering billet sleeves,triple row IMSB,LN rods. Deep sump oil pan with DT40 oil.
BYprodriver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2017, 01:03 PM   #4
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: FL
Posts: 9
Thanks for the reply Anker!
I thought there might be a quick and inexpensive way to fix this.
The Durametric enthusiast code reader is almost $300.
I might consider buying if I knew I had much more use for it down the road.
Any thoughts...
1998 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2017, 01:06 PM   #5
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: FL
Posts: 9
Thanks for the advice BYprovider!
How do I post my question on the technical column?
Which tab is it???
Thanks again!
1998 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2017, 01:30 PM   #6
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Stow, MA
Posts: 918
Garage
If you want to work on your Boxster you need the right tools. There's nothing that's more expensive than delivering a botched repair job to a delership. Trust me, I have been there.

If you want a less expensive code reader that reads Porsche codes you cal also buy an Autel, but it can't do everything the Durametric can, and its still a couple of hundred $.

Try to go to your local autoparts store and ask them if they ha a code reader that you can borrow, and whether it can read Porsche-specific codes.
__________________
2004 Boxster S Silver - FUNTOY
2002 Boxster Base Guardsy Red - FUNBOX
1987 Caterham Super 7 1700 Supersprint
2009 Mercedes Benz CLK 350 convertible
1941 Dodge Luxury Liner Coupe
Anker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2017, 01:54 PM   #7
Porsche "Purist"
 
Paul's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 2,123
Garage
You will need at least a PST-2 to recalibrate the gauge.

__________________
1998 Boxster with 7.8 DME, 2005 3.6 liter/325 hp, Variocam Plus, 996 Instrument panel
2001 Boxster original owner. I installed used motor at 89k.
1987 924S. 2002 996TT. PST-2
Owned and repaired Porsches since 1974. Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.
Paul is offline   Reply With Quote
Post Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:53 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page