Fuel gauge zero switch?

[missfixit70]

With the ever increasing price of fuel & rise in fuel theft, I was wondering if it'd be possible to fit a modification to make the fuel gauge return to zero with the ignition off so the thieving scrotes can't instantly see that the tank is full? Surely a relay in the right place would do the trick?
I realise that all they have to do is tap the tank to see how full it is, just thought it may be an idea?

[mikeonb4c]

Or maybe put a sticker on the filler cover that says 'Used Chip Oil Only'. That'd put the scrotes off....if they can read

[Simon Jones]

The gauge consists of 2 coils with a common earth. Sticking a voltage on one end will take the needle to one end of the scale, & the opposite end when applied to the other coil. The reason it stays up when the ignition is off it that their is no return spring on the needle & it's heavily damped so it stays in the same position when the voltage is removed.

I think the short answer to your question is that it should work. You'd just need a momentary push switch to apply 12v to the 'empty' end of the coil & it will go to zero. A very clever idea Kirsty

[missfixit70]

just a bored brain, not quite clever or motivated enough at the mo to figure out the details though, hopefully someone'll run with the idea

[bigdaddycain]

Yep, good thinking kirsty...if somebody comes up with a way to make the needle drop to zero with the ignition off, i'll copy the method myself!... Why am i reminded of the film "mad max 2"?

[robdrinky]

i have approached this with a low tech method-piece of card to obscure the gauge

[northerntaff]

ah - was just gonna say cover over the guage and Bob's your thingy !

The techie guys just love a more mechanical solution to these things tho!