Fuel level indicator problem--goes to zero (and back)

[Jon996]

Hi! I have seen the problem of inaccurate readings, but this is a little different. I will be driving along and it will go to zero (with red light flashing) and then get the message "failure of fuel level indicator . ." As I drive along, it typically comes back. If I fill up it always comes back on.

The dealer has the sender unit out, but it seems to check out OK. They check resistance as they move the float, and did not pick up any problems.

Off warranty, so the idea of replacing the cluster for $2532 plus labor is not very attractive.

Anyone here of this problem?

Thanks,

Jon

[judgejon]

Hi! I have seen the problem of inaccurate readings, but this is a little different. I will be driving along and it will go to zero (with red light flashing) and then get the message "failure of fuel level indicator . ." As I drive along, it typically comes back. If I fill up it always comes back on.

The dealer has the sender unit out, but it seems to check out OK. They check resistance as they move the float, and did not pick up any problems.

Off warranty, so the idea of replacing the cluster for $2532 plus labor is not very attractive.

Anyone here of this problem?

Thanks,

Jon

had this problem with my SC. easy to just replace the sender unit. not sure if a simple and quick replacement is possible with the 996, but it sounds like a bad sender unit to me.

[DK570]

Anyone else have this problem recently? I was driving with just under 1/4 tank when I got a fuel level indicator failure on the display under the tach. The needle then dropped to 0 and the red low fuel light started to flash. It flashed for a little while than stopped. I filled up the tank, it seems to be working now. I suspect it will probably fail again though next time a reach under 1/4 full. Maybe unrelated, but just before the failure I could hear a strange noise from in front of the dash. It sounded like the stereo was on very quietly, but it was off.

Is the consensus I need a new sending unit?  I looked in the Pelican book, seems pretty straight forward to replace. Very convenient that I don't have to remove that tank. Any major differences since I have a C4? I think I access the sender from the metal dome in front of the battery, rather than under it.

[JFP in PA]

Anyone else have this problem recently? I was driving with just under 1/4 tank when I got a fuel level indicator failure on the display under the tach. The needle then dropped to 0 and the red low fuel light started to flash. It flashed for a little while than stopped. I filled up the tank, it seems to be working now. I suspect it will probably fail again though next time a reach under 1/4 full. Maybe unrelated, but just before the failure I could hear a strange noise from in front of the dash. It sounded like the stereo was on very quietly, but it was off.

Is the consensus I need a new sending unit?  I looked in the Pelican book, seems pretty straight forward to replace. Very convenient that I don't have to remove that tank. Any major differences since I have a C4? I think I access the sender from the metal dome in front of the battery, rather than under it.

 

You will probably need to calibrate the fuel level system after changing the sending unit, which will require either the Durametric software or a PIWIS.

[DK570]

Good to know. I have a Durametric, so I'll have to look into how to calibrate. 

[DK570]

I swapped the units, was pretty simple.  Fuel level gauge seems to work.  Problem is since I did the swap it's very slow to start.  Anyone have any ideas why?  Thanks.    

[Revolution996]

I just replaced my fuel pump, so i had the same issue with slow starting, but I believe it is because when you replace the sender unit you have to disconnect fuel lines, and air can get in them. So it will be slow to start for a few starts because it needs to get all the air out of the lines. 

[DK570]

I thought that might be the case, but I've been driving for a week+ and it still happens.  Also, it seems the longer the car sits, the harder it is to start.    

[Revolution996]

I would double check all the fuel lines that were disconnected during installation and make sure that they are on all the way. When they are, you will hear a click. If one is slightly open and either leaking fuel or letting air in, this could be an issue.

[DK570]

I would double check all the fuel lines that were disconnected during installation and make sure that they are on all the way. When they are, you will hear a click. If one is slightly open and either leaking fuel or letting air in, this could be an issue.

This was the case.  It's strange that on 3 of the lines, you simply push on to connect.  For the 4th one, however, there are tabs that need to be pushed in after the hose is lid on to keep it sung. 

[Revolution996]

Glad i could help! Best of luck to you!

[Billy Bob]

You may not alway needs to replace the fuel sending unit,  I've added a DIY

 

996TT Fuel Sending Unit "Fuel Sensor Failure"

 

 

Hope this helps all that run into this problem.