Newbie fuel gauge help

[Steve_warner]

Right, Iv bought my zt 2.5 v6 off a member on here, the fuel gauge seems to read what it likes, some times it reads near full then next time I get in it, it reads under half. Now he mentioned somthing about a orange clip on a recall. Is their any one on here who's got a idiots guide on how to check for the fault. I'm good with machanical bits but no good with electrical.
I'm located in Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire if anyone is local who knows what their doing
Sorry if this has been discussed before

[vitesse]

Originally Posted by Steve_warner

Right, Iv bought my zt 2.5 v6 off a member on here, the fuel gauge seems to read what it likes, some times it reads near full then next time I get in it, it reads under half. Now he mentioned somthing about a orange clip on a recall. Is their any one on here who's got a idiots guide on how to check for the fault. I'm good with machanical bits but no good with electrical.
I'm located in Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire if anyone is local who knows what their doing
Sorry if this has been discussed before

This certainly has been discussed before, just one of the many posts: https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...=262166&page=2
Best you can do is search yourself in the search toolbar.

The orange (or white) clip has nothing to do with the fuel gauge, it's a recommended fix to prevent the fuel filter unscrewing on later model cars. Again try the search.

You could do much worse than attend one of these meets: http://www.midlandsnanomeets.co.uk/meets_2014.html where there are a host of knowledgeable guys who can fix just about anything.

Regards

[Yorkshire GOC]

I think the orange clip referred to is to prevent fuel filter separation (FFS) aka the Fabled Orange Clip or FOC -in later petrol cars the fuel filter can come apart leading to non starting - the solution is to bind the filter with a clip ( originally orange).

So your issue re the gauge reading is not linked to the clip - it sounds like there is a fault in the fuel tank sensors/floats.

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by Steve_warner

Now he mentioned somthing about a orange clip on a recall. Is their any one on here who's got a idiots guide on how to check for the fault.

The Famous Orange Clip (the FOC) was developed late in the day by MGR to fix a big problem with post-2001 petrol models. These have a screw-together fuel filter module that tends to separate over time. It can happen any time, anywhere and will prevent the engine from starting due to low fuel delivery pressure. The FOC holds the module together and eliminates Fuel Filter Syndrome (FFS). There are dozens of threads which can be found by using the acronyms in the Google search box at the top of each page.

Here's the MGR Technical Tip covering the issue: http://www.mediafire.com/file/dwu9ob...%2529.pdf/file

The filter is inside the fuel tank on the LHS. To access thia you have to lift the rear seat cushion. This in itseft can be a chore, but there are helpful tips. You'll find some in Post 3 here: https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for....php?p=2531165

There's a screw-down hatch in the floor that gives access to the filter module. Info on getting the module out and most importantly, refitting it correctly is given here: https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=58832
and here: https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...ead.php?t=9108

TC

[Yorkshire GOC]

There's a level float in both sides of the tank. One on the pump module (RHS) and one on the filter module (LHS). They each send a level signal to the ECU which integrates them into a tank content signal for the fuel gauge. A common cause of faulty readings is through work being done in the tank (like replacing the fuel pump). This sometimes causes the float arm to be installed incorrectly so it binds/sticks.
You may get a clue as to which float unit is faulty by running the IPK diagnostic mode. sEE link below for instructions to run the vehicle diagnostics.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...iagnostic+mode

[Steve_warner]

Thanks for the info people. Il try the trip diagnostic later on when I finish work. Thanks again

[T-Cut]

More on tank diagnostics. This is a copy/paste of my standard response:


The tank is divided by a central ridge and fuel is drawn from the drivers side by the pump module. The high pressure fuel flow is divided and operates two venturi (static) pumps within the tank, which distribute the contents to ensure the supply to the pump inlet is maintained at all times. There is a float level sender in both sides of the tank - one on the pump module and one on the filter unit. The gauge integrates their signls to display the net contents. Erratic gauge output may be due to erratic floats. If one or both has been disturbed when the pump and/or filter module has been serviced, it is difficult to get the floats repositioned right. This may cause binding in certain positions. The floats operate a rheostat with a linear resistance value against float level. You can check the float resistances using an ohm meter. There's a connector socket under the rear seat, driver's side. This diagram may help.



TC

[vitesse]

And if you have difficulty in viewing T-Cut's image - here's an unchained version:



Regards

[Steve_warner]

I have a multi meter that my dad gave me a while ago, it looks a decent one. Il get a pic of it soon so someone can show me which setting I need to use. Sorry if I sound stupid lol

[Steve_warner]

Right Iv done the diagnostic check on the dash and it came up as 6.2 ___0229
So I'm assuming it means the n/s float has a fault