Low fuel indicator light
 

My MG ZT 1.8 petrol gauge has started playing up. I'll take the rear seat out and have a look at the sensors if it persists (I've done a search and seen some excellent threads on this). My question is can I still trust the low fuel light, or does it use the same sensors as the gauge?

No you can't trust it as it uses the same two level sensors.

Safest way is to fill the tank and reset the trip meter.

Thanks for your quick reply. I'll have a look if it persists. Are the fuel filter orange clips still available, as I might as well fit one of those if I take the seat out? Also, at what age/ mileage does the in-tank filter need replacing?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F133080091395

The fuel filter is supposed to be a Lifetime item. It's item 10. I replaced mine when I did the orange clip due to breaking down. The orange clip is white now but just the same.

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID001965

What's the usual failure mode of the fuel gauge problems. Are the sensors prone to breaking or is it usually just bad connections or the arm jamming? I'm thinking whether it's worth getting a replacement sensor before taking things apart...

First the good news: Filled the ZT up and added a dose of Redex. Drove the car around locally selecting the routes with speed bumps. To London and back yesterday, watching the gauge fall to 1/4 at around 250 miles (the only time I've been wishing the gauge to plummet!). :)


Second the bad news: Started the car on this morning and the gauge indicated 1/2 tank. :duh:
Assuming no kind soul has added a few gallons in the night, I still have a problem. I've got hold of the clip (thanks Billy), so may be having a look if it persists. Is this likely to be the level sensors, or the pumps not all pushing the fuel around correctly?

Do you park on an incline? If so that could give you the false reading when you first turn on the ignition.


It doesn't matter to the gauge reading which side of the tank the fuel is in - it is a simple sum of both level senders.


















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That's what I always do with mine, although I know in the case of mine it is pessimistic. I knew with my first ZT that I would get about 300 miles on a full tank, but when I bought my current car it seemed to do less than that, but having used the diagnostic function and brimming the tank I find that it takes around 57 litres to fill up from empty so suspect one of the sensors is a bit wonky.

Hmm pretty level I think, but I'll see how it goes over the next few days

Hi Michael.
Worth a look at this post helped me when I had a faulty gauge..

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=75696