Hello

Bucephalus · #1 11-22-2018, 11:20 AM

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

New user, with lots of questions about our new to us 2002 X5; this looks to be a knowledgeable community with tons of info.

This is our 2nd pre-owned BMW; it's good to be back in their cars.

Lots of familiar-looking components on both BMWs.....we had a 90 325i, I did most of the work on it. The control arms kept wearing out....

We've had this 2002 X5 for about 4 days and the fuel guage hasn't moved from the 3/4 mark......

We've been reading everything we can find on line; still cannot figure out which side of the tank is at fault. A you-tuber mentioned "stuck on 3/4" on a 3 series pump change out video, but I cannot get the gist....should I change both pumps?

I haven't removed the rear seat and cover yet; will check for mice...

Two postings here discussed the fuel tank, fuel pump, and siphon pump very well, but I didn't see the key-words"guage stuck on 3/4" mentioned.

I know it's a holiday, but some day soon-if anyone can tell us what the significance of "guage stuck on 3/4" has in regards to diagnosing and correcting the problem.

Thanks!

G

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andrewwynn · #2 11-22-2018, 11:27 AM

Start with learning how to unlock the hidden dash menu. Test 6 will show the number of liters of gas in each side of the tank. If one side isn't changing that's a clear sign of which sending unit is stuck.

Bucephalus · #3 11-22-2018, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Start with learning how to unlock the hidden dash menu. Test 6 will show the number of liters of gas in each side of the tank. If one side isn't changing that's a clear sign of which sending unit is stuck.

Will do!

Thx

Qsilver7 · #4 11-22-2018, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucephalus

New user, with lots of questions about our new to us 2002 X5...we had a 90 325i, I did most of the work on it.

We've had this 2002 X5 for about 4 days and the fuel guage hasn't moved from the 3/4 mark... still cannot figure out which side of the tank is at fault.

Welcome...but remember to help us help you better by giving us enough info/details to give you the best answer, suggestion, recommendation, etc possible.

For instance, you didn't give the suffix that would indicate WHICH e53 X5 you have. There are multiple set-ups of engines, transmissions, instrument clusters, audio set-ups that can have different replies/responses based on how optioned.

You were clear about your e30 3 series...you gave the complete nomenclature "325i"...but we are unclear about your e53 X5...do you have the 3.0, 4.4, or 4.6is? Again, the answers & suggestions we could give could be wrong or make you search for info that may not apply to you because of the info we DON'T know.

As suggested...if you simply unlock your cluster and go to TEST 6...you can find out what each fuel level sensor is doing...but the e53 has TWO different types of instrument cluster...with TWO different types of instructions to UNLOCK them.

If we had the info...you could be getting the instruction right now as to how to unlock the cluster type you have. If you have the low cluster...the procedure is different than most of the ones you're probably going to find. Most instructions you find are for the high cluster (it has TWO buttons...one on the left for odometer reset, and one on the right for the Check Control system).

If you are finding unlock instructions for the cluster you don't have...post back which type you have and we can help you better by giving you the correct instructions.

Good luck...and happy Thanksgiving to you, too.

The pic below is an example of my e38's high cluster with one of the screens of TEST 6 displayed...it shows the left fuel sensor/right sensor/approx total of fuel (in liters) remaining in the tank). You can see that it correlates with the fuel gage in that the left fuel level sensor is showing 2.8 liters (almost 0 liters) and the fuel gauge is almost ah half a tank left. The right fuel level sensor is showing 35.2 liters of fuel left. Both sensors are reporting data...if one of them was registering 0 liters but that side of the tank was known to have fuel...then you'd know that sensor was not reading properly. Also one of the other screens of TEST 6 will show PHASE 1, 2, or 3. PHASE 1 means both sensors are sending data...PHAS# 2 or 3 means there's an issue:

PS...help us help you better by considering to make a signature that includes your model/model year/build date/etc. ...that way your info is always available if needed to answer your posts. It also helps others that may be reading or doing a search (in the future) that may have the same question or issue...they will know if it applies to their X5 if the engine, transmission, option set-up is the same.

Bucephalus · #5 11-22-2018, 06:45 PM

An abundance of help already!

I definitely have some research on the vehicle to do on this project.

Lots of learning to do; good. I'll get the specifics on the vehicle. and get back asap.

G

Bucephalus · #6 11-22-2018, 09:34 PM

I unlocked the tests 3-21.
Test #6.1:TNK39.0/23.2/62.3.
Test 6.2: 62.3L Phase 1.

Our X5 is a 3.0i
VIN: 5UXFA53532LP4XXXX

The instrument/test toggles are both in the instrument cluster.

I'll dump a 5gal can into the tank and check test 6 again.

I'm still digesting the test info; will know more tomorrow.

G

Bucephalus · #7 11-23-2018, 09:12 PM

Some test results; with the generous help in this forum and from my wife (best friend), I was able to find enough info to conduct an instrument cluster and a fuel guage test. There may not be a problem with the fuel sending units, but I'll hold off until I run enough fuel out to test again.
Test 6.1

3/4 Full mark test: 39.0/23.2/62.3L=16.54Gal.
Full Tank test: 55.0/27.0/82.0L=21.67Gal
Drove 120.9 miles (guage just left of full) test: 49.1/24.2/73.3L=19.36Gal

2.3 gallons used @ 19MPG, = 418 miles per tank.

We recalled how our 325i fuel guage would sit on the right side for a long period, then dump towards "E" dramatically. The systems might be the same.

Intirim projects; P/S slow leak, F/Passenger Window Regulator, and Accelerator Pedal.

Many thanks!

G

andrewwynn · #8 11-23-2018, 09:13 PM

The gauge can't read the top 10L of gas. If you notice the total value when full is 10L less than the capacity. So for the first 100km or so the gauge is pinned to F.

Before you run out of gas with 1/4 tank on the gauge; you should do the test six when getting lower than 1/4 tank. The right side should stay at a constant value once the left is below about 25L. If the right drops toward zero it indicates that the siphon jet is leaking.

Bucephalus · #9 11-23-2018, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The gauge can't read the top 10L of gas. If you notice the total value when full is 10L less than the capacity. So for the first 100km or so the gauge is pinned to F.

Before you run out of gas with 1/4 tank on the gauge; you should do the test six when getting lower than 1/4 tank. The right side should stay at a constant value once the left is below about 25L. If the right drops toward zero it indicates that the siphon jet is leaking.

Good info!

Will do.

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