Fuel gauge diagnostics.

Costa Fortuna · 21st April 2023, 15:12

Thanks to the excellent instructionals on diagnosis I thought I would check the clocks and dials collective. The car in question is a 2004 1.8t

The reason for the check is that the fuel gauge only moves to 3/4 when full and a 1/4 when near empty. When I got the car naively I thought a 1/4 was enough to get me to a petrol station but it wasn't - the car stopped and then for some reason started again after five mins or so. After this escapade I run off mileage and fill the car up after 260 miles or thereabouts. I'm fine with that but Mrs Costa who operates the car isn't happy.

After watching the gauge needles do their thing noting that the fuel gauge has full movement for the first time in my ownership, do I now venture into the fuel tank? The gauge strangely always says what the fuel level was when switched off - it never falls to zero. I've unplugged the tank sender to no avail.

Any wise words gratefully received, Tim

SD1too · 21st April 2023, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Costa Fortuna

The gauge strangely always says what the fuel level was when switched off - it never falls to zero.

Hi Tim,

Are you saying that with the ignition key removed from the barrel and after the ECUs have entered sleep mode, the fuel gauge still hasn't fallen to zero?

Simon

Costa Fortuna · 23rd April 2023, 16:42

Yes, Simon all the time - you can approach the car after a week and there it is telling you how you left it.

21st April 2023, 15:12	#1
Costa Fortuna Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: POOLE Posts: 138 Thanks: 24 Thanked 44 Times in 27 Posts	Fuel gauge diagnostics. Thanks to the excellent instructionals on diagnosis I thought I would check the clocks and dials collective. The car in question is a 2004 1.8t The reason for the check is that the fuel gauge only moves to 3/4 when full and a 1/4 when near empty. When I got the car naively I thought a 1/4 was enough to get me to a petrol station but it wasn't - the car stopped and then for some reason started again after five mins or so. After this escapade I run off mileage and fill the car up after 260 miles or thereabouts. I'm fine with that but Mrs Costa who operates the car isn't happy. After watching the gauge needles do their thing noting that the fuel gauge has full movement for the first time in my ownership, do I now venture into the fuel tank? The gauge strangely always says what the fuel level was when switched off - it never falls to zero. I've unplugged the tank sender to no avail. Any wise words gratefully received, Tim

23rd April 2023, 16:42	#3
Costa Fortuna Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: POOLE Posts: 138 Thanks: 24 Thanked 44 Times in 27 Posts	Yes, Simon all the time - you can approach the car after a week and there it is telling you how you left it.