Fuel gauge always 'on'

I don't think it's a problem. I don't know about 214's, but the gauge may permanently sit where it was last. The tank level is hardly going to change overnight, unless it's symphoned on you have a leak.

Arthur wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

I had a car that did that, can't remember what though, might have been a Metro. Never was a problem though.

Arthur wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

I thought they all did that, except its usually 800 ish

Wouldn't worry. My Rover gauge drops without ignition but it's a bit older than yours. They may have changed it. For all it will draw power wise I wouldn't care.

They all do that, sir.

No. It's not a problem.

If it's like the many Ford designs that are meant to stay put (with the ignition off), it won't draw any current with the ignition off.

It was intended as a convenience feature in that you could quickly check if you needed fuel as soon as you got in the car. It was dropped because it made the car a better target for anyone who wanted to nick your petrol!

If this is a concern for the OP, he could disconnect the battery for a few minutes. If the gauge still stays in the same position, it's not going to flatten his battery ever!

Chris

No. My Rover 620 did the same as did my 420. My wifes Mundano does to some extent.

Arthur was thinking very hard :

Both problems would seem not to be actual problems...

Some fuel gauges do retain their last known fuel level, even with the ignition off. A fast idle when cold is normal when controlled by an ECU, mine idles fast when cold too - though it might be worth checking what it should idle at cold. If it is definitely to high, check out the idle control valve which may be sticking.

gazzafield formulated the question :

They do not draw any power. They are of a design which needs power to release a 'brake' on the pointer to allow it to move freely.