RAM 3500 Truck 2WD V10-8.0L VIN W (1997)
Fuel Level Sensor: Description and Operation
CIRCUIT OPERATION
The fuel level sensor is a variable resistor. Circuit G4 connects the fuel level sensor to the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster. Circuit F14 from
fuse 12 in the fuse block supplies voltage to the fuel gauge. The fuel level sensor draws voltage from circuit F14 through the fuel gauge on circuit
G4. Circuit Z11 provides the ground path for the fuel level sensor.
As current flows through the coils in the fuel gauge, it creates a magnetic field. One of the coils in the gauge receives fixed current. The other coil
is connected to the level sensor. The magnetic field controls the position of the fuel gauge pointer.
The fuel level sensor contains a variable resistor. As the position of the float arm on the fuel level sensor changes, the resistor changes the current
flow through the second coil in the fuel gauge. A change in current flow alters the magnetic field in the fuel gauge, which changes the pointer
position.
Circuit K104 from the level sensor connects to circuit K226. Circuit K226 connects to cavity C26 of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Circuit K226 provides the fuel level input to the PCM. Circuit K4 provides ground for the level sensor signal.
