I just started having an issue with my fuel gauge. I've a 2004 XV1700 Midnight Star. She's always been slow to read fuel amount when I fill her, and sometimes the fuel light is slow to come on. here recently after filling the tank. she registers full tank, but then while riding, the gauge falls to empty and the light comes on. still have a full tank. what should I do??

what should I do??

A lot of guys too cheap to fix it, or lazy, opt to go by the odometer and fill up at certain intervals, but I'd replace the fuel gauge sending unit in the tank.



Part number is 5VN-85752-00-00

https://www.google.com/search?q=5VN-85752-00-00&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

They are slow to respond from a fillup, its a anti slosh feature. That way the needle doesnt bounce all over the place. I have a used one if your interested.

Thanks for the info. Does the Clymer Manuel show how to install this? I'm not home so cant check yet...
I will replace, I'm anal about things working right on my vehicles!

I finally got some indication of how my fuel gauge works... (beside unreliably!)
On Monday I took a ride and started with only half a tank, (on the gauge), the odo said I had about 130 miles when the low fuel light came on, but the needle was reading dead on empty...
In looking closer, I noticed that the needle was a tiny bit above the stop pin on the left, so I kept going without switching to reserve.
At 138 miles, (and the low fuel light taunting me for the last eight mile) I pulled in for gas, but still, not switching to reserve.
I topped off the tank and the gas pump said I had taken on 4.3 gallons. So, apparently, my gauge is none too accurate!
This is a major contrast to my other '06... that gauge read "dead on, balls accurate!" (to steal a line from "My Cousin Vinnie..."
The needle would rise in about a mile after fill up, the low fuel light would come on when the gauge was reading about an eighth of a tank and reserve needed to be turned on when the needle hit the pin.
Having an unreliable, or inaccurate gauge really detracts from truly enjoying a good ride.

I've never trusted the gauge. I will always go by the petcock. When I switch to reserve I start looking for gas!

I finally got some indication of how my fuel gauge works... (beside unreliably!)

One of the main problems is sulphates in the fuel attacks the silver components of the sending unit and it kills the potentiometer's contact surface.

Pretty easy to change, I did mine last year.

rjmlw1970 wrote:
Thanks for the info. Does the Clymer Manuel show how to install this? I'm not home so cant check yet...
I will replace, I'm anal about things working right on my vehicles!

Disconnect the sender connector (I believe its green) and remove tank.
remove 2 bolts and remove sender.
reverse to install.

Short of a light bulb, one of the easiest things to replace even for a novice.