Fuel Guage

[Guest ScottKirk]

I have noticed some odd behaviour with the fuel guage on my 52 1.9 tdi galaxy.

 

The fuel guage needle was sitting just over the first notch above empty. I pulled up outside a friends house and left the engine idling for about 2 mins. When I got back to the car my fuel light was on, the digital display was warning me to refuel and the needle was below the red empty.

 

I thought the worst and imagined I had a fuel leak to lose that much fuel so quickly. Anyway by the time I got to the garage to refuel the needle was back to sitting 1 notch above empty and all the warnings had gone off.

 

I didnt bother refueling, went home, and parked up (fuel needle still ok).

 

Next day the wife told me she got in the car started up and it was on empty so had to refuel !!

 

Is this a common symptom or do I need to get it checked.

 

Thanks

 

Scott

[NikpV]

There is a problem with the instrumentation pod - we have had two new pods fitted by Ford under warranty, they had stopped replacing them while the problem was being sorted out (search on 'slow fuel gauge' or similar may get original posts). Collecting my gal today (40k service) I'm told that Ford estimate that the redesigned units may be ready by the middle of March but shortage of new units will mean that replacement will be delayed.

 

See here

 

Incorrect gauge readings

 

Slow fuel gauge

[Jim]

Having a similar problem. Becasue of the nature of the problem, it's a bit hard to prove to the dealer. I mentioned that my fuel gauge would read empty, and then not empty, but was told it was OK when the dealer checked.

 

Anyone know the bulletin number?

[NikpV]

Not offhand but I will pop in tomorrow if I'm passing and ask.

 

I popped in today(Fri) but they were a bit busy, might try again over the weekend

[Jim]

Any sign of the bulletin number, or does anyone know if the fix is now out?

[Jim]

Bump

 

Anyone?

[rwtomkins]

seems i've caught this disease, too. my tank's a quarter full but when i fired up the engine y'day the fuel gauge read approx zero and the message lit up telling me to refuel. this is on a low-mileage 52. what gets replaced when they replace the instrument cluster? please don't tell me you lose your recorded mileage etc.

[NikpV]

Yep those are our symptoms exactly. They tried replacing the whole instrument cluster again but new new cluster did not read speed correctly so I'm back to cluster 2. I'm currently waiting to hear ...... about the fix but the wife's been a bit poorly so I'm a bit busy with the kids - not had a chance to chase my 'friendly' mechanic yet. :(

[rwtomkins]

so, nikpV, in your experience, when they replace the cluster do you start again with zero mileage or do they set the clock on the new cluster at the same mileage as the one on the old cluster? just curious, really.

 

sorry to hear your wife's been a bit unwell. when everything's back to normal and you've had a chance to sort out the fuel gauge problem, would be very grateful for any more info you can give us about this.

[Guest smurf]

errrrrrr dont wanna sound supid or nowt :( but did any of you check when the fuel gauge read empty, that the car wasnt facing downhill or on the slightest of inclines? i have a very slight slope on my drive and when low on fuel get the same symptoms til i move off :(

[NikpV]

They set the mileage back to what it was :( - despite a few hints to the mechanic :( . My main worry is that the 3 year warranty runs out at the end of May and although I've been reassured by the 'chief mechanic' that it will be replaced I'm not sure the management of the dealership will agree so ~ I will have to pop in soon and 'remind' the management of the problem.

I would be interested if anybody has had this fixed recently to lend some weight me putting pressure on the dealership. The 'chief mechanic' says he has three gals to do when the fix comes out.

[NikpV]

Hi Smurf

Yes this is a known problem with some facelift gals, ours does it on the level more often than not and never goes back to normal without restarting the car. It does appear to happen more often when its cold but that may be a coincidence.

Ps Have'nt got the bulletin number but Ford do recognise the problem, although reading zero is not the only version, somebody I can't remember who has their gauge stuck on full and by now be on 30K mpg :) :( :( . The 'chief mechanic' at our dealership seems to think it is a problem with a combination of instrument cluster and sender in the tank and seems to think that both will be changed.