Fuel gauge sender issue

[amebb]

I have a weird issue with my fuel gauge on my X5 diesel.


So, lets say i put 20 litres of fuel in the tank, the fuel gauge needle will show that and it will also tell me how many miles that i can drive.
As i drive and use the fuel the needle slowly comes down until i get to almost an empty tank and the amber light comes on.


If i then put lets say 40 litres of fuel in the car the fuel gauge needle goes past the middle point and i am getting a reading of how many miles the car can do.


The issue is then the needle stays there. It does not come down as the fuel is used up.
So it looks like my fuel tank is 50% full.


The way i resolve this is to open up the fuel tank and remove the level sensor and just clean it and place it back in the fuel tank. Then everything goes back to normal.

It is almost like the float in the fuel tank is getting stuck somewhere, even though upon inspection it is free moving.


Has anyone else had this issue before?

Any advice most appreciated!


Thank you

[andrewwynn]

The float can get stuck. Either bent and hitting the side or on one of the hoses (happened to me). (Also non standard float shape on aftermarket).

More often it's the wiper loses pressure and you can restore proper function by disassemble and bend the wiper to have more pressure.

I made a thread on the subject search awr-fix in advanced search in title y did find it.

Also run test 21 after to reset the computer or it will take a couple tanks before it reads correctly.

[amebb]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The float can get stuck. Either bent and hitting the side or on one of the hoses (happened to me). (Also non standard float shape on aftermarket).

More often it's the wiper loses pressure and you can restore proper function by disassemble and bend the wiper to have more pressure.

I made a thread on the subject search awr-fix in advanced search in title y did find it.

Also run test 21 after to reset the computer or it will take a couple tanks before it reads correctly.

thank you for your advice.

So, tomorrow i will remove the float and check and clean. I will take resistance readings too.
I will also check the wiper to make sure that it makes a good contact.


This all started a few years ago when i accidently put petrol in to my diesel X5.... I realised after adding 10 litres of petrol and then i filled up the car with 40 litres of diesel.


I had some errors on the dash regarding injectors etc... but they soon went. The car actually drove better to be honest lol
But, the issue has always been with the level of fule it shows. If i put a large amount of fuel in it almost feels that i have pushed the float to far and it gets stuck.


So, will check tomorrow and report back.

Thank you

[andrewwynn]

Cleaning is temporary, you need to take the wiper out and bend it in a way to add more pressure.

I found a service bulletin on the subject what gave me the idea to properly refurbish.

AWR-fix: Fuel Gauge Sender Repair (fix errant fuel gauge)
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app

[Henn28]

The OE BMW senders have been on a huge sale at FCP lately. Over 50% off. I grabbed one and replaced mine a few weeks ago as it had 175k on it.

[getty150]

I was in my gas tank about a year ago (05 X3)...broke the wire to the float. Very tight for my hands and dark even on a sunny day plus I hate working in the gas tank! Car sat for couple of weeks.
The wire came from around back of the canister houses the pump...it broke.
Lucky the break happened at the top in the clear. I soldered the line then used shrink tubing to secure. Haven't looked back since.
Thought I was done for, in that episode, but narrowly escaped

Sent from my REVVL V+ 5G using Tapatalk

[andrewwynn]

It's too bad you can't buy just the sender float resistance unit. It clips on/off. Very dumb

[80stech]

Just buy a new sender, especially if they are on sale, trying to fix the old one is going to be frustrating and likely not work for long anyway.

[getty150]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

It's too bad you can't buy just the sender float resistance unit. It clips on/off. Very dumb

Yeah, it is available but it's not simple as it sounds... Just clip on...no way! It's attached to a small fragile circuit board...that breaks under slight stress.

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[Henn28]

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ne-16116762044

Still on clearance at FCP…$159 versus $404. That’s an insane clearance amount….wish M62 connecting rod bearings would go on a similar sale!