How to Wire and Set-Up Fuel Level Sensors

Properly wiring and configuring fuel level sensors is vital to accurate fuel monitoring and overall vehicle performance. Whether you're working on a car, motorcycle, or any other race vehicle, understanding how to install and set up these sensors with your FuelTech ECU can help prevent fuel-related issues and ensure smooth operation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from wiring your sensor correctly to calibrating it for reliable fuel level readings. Let’s dive into how to wire and set up your fuel level sensor with easy to follow step-by-step instructions.

• FuelTech ECU: FT450, FT550, FT550LITE, FT600
• Fuel Level Sensor

Step 1: With your laptop connected to your ECU, open the FTManager software. Select an available input channel on your FuelTech ECU and isolate the corresponding white wire. Make a note of which input you have selected as you will need this information in step 4.

Step 2: Connect the white wire from step 1 to one of the two wires on the fuel level sensor (it does not matter which fuel level sensor wire you choose).

When wiring your fuel level sensor to a FuelTech ECU, a stable ground connection is important to avoid issues like fluctuating readings due to RPM changes or electrical noise.

Step 3: Connect the remaining fuel level sensor wire to either the battery ground or the ECU’s sensor ground wire (Green with Black tracer). Either of these configurations will guarantee a reliable ground, ensuring accurate and consistent sensor readings.

Step 4: Using the Quick Access Panel, scroll down to Sensors and Calibration and select Inputs. Select the Input used in step 1 and select “Fuel Level” from the drop down menu and click the OK button.

Step 5: If you have not already done so, drain the fuel tank.

Step 6: Returning to the FTManager software on the laptop connected to your FuelTech ECU, select Diagnostic Panel from the Quick Access Panel under Diagnostic Panel. Locate the Fuel Level sensor and make a note of the voltage.

Step 7: Fill the fuel tank to ⅓ capacity and make note of the voltage. Repeat this step for ⅔ fuel tank capacity and again with a full fuel tank.

Step 7: Return to the Inputs section located in the Quick Access Panel and select Fuel Level. Under the Interpolation Table, enter the voltage readings under Voltage and amount of fuel in the tank under Value.

This example uses a 15 gallon fuel tank, so the ⅓ tank reading will have a value of 5, ⅔ has a value of 10, and a full tank has a value of 15.

Step 8: Select Map Options (in FTManager, this is located in the menu at the top of the screen). Enable Fuel Consumption Control by clicking the adjacent square (you will see the square turn blue and a checkmark will appear).

Step 9: Once enabled, click on Fuel Consumption Control. Under the Fuel Tank Level Calculation window and input the fuel tank’s capacity.

Wiring a fuel level sensor to your FuelTech ECU is a straightforward process and configuring it in the ECU's software ensures accurate fuel level readings. By following these steps, you'll have real-time monitoring of your fuel levels, allowing you to focus on the race.

If you have any questions about wiring and setting up a fuel level sensor, our tech support team is here to help!

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