Fuel level sensor(s)

RenaissanceMan · #1 01-27-2010, 03:10 PM

Just filled up my 3.0's at the pump last night and now my fuel gauge is 'stuck' on 1/4 tank with the low fuel light on, as well. I was looking at the tank and related components on realoem and noticed that it looks like there is a float attached to the fuel pump assembly, as well. Am I correct in assuming that there are 2 fuel level sensors on my X5? Is one associated with the gauge and one with the low fuel light? I'm also assuming that the OBC gets its info from these sensors, as well, as it's telling me I only have 6 miles to go before empty. Last question: Can you access the pump and senders from under the rear seat?

Thanks, y'all-

flyingmachine · #2 01-27-2010, 03:37 PM

same thing happened to me last week. I've seen same issue posted here before. IIRC, most people say using the top grade(shell) gas will resolve this problem. however, we've been feeding this car with chevron and shell highest grade only.

mine gives me a code in the instrument cluster module. it's fuel pump sensor (both sides). I haven't had time managing to fix this. I'll giving it a couple days/weeks and see if it goes away. I have a feeling that it's related to cold temperature.

if it's not fixed by itself, I'll replace the sensor. the sensor should be accessible after you remove the rear seats. shouldn't be a bad diy job. I would disconnect battery and put away everything that could ignite when working on it.

RenaissanceMan · #3 01-27-2010, 05:56 PM

Hey flyingmachine, did you have to get those codes from the dealer or can you pull those with something like a Peake tool?

I did do a search before posting and saw where someone said Shell gas fixed their problem. However, I can't imagine that not being a matter of coincidence only. I use Shell 93 on a regular basis in all of my BMWs. Occasionally if I can't find a Shell I'll use BP 93. I agree with you that cold temps seem to aggravate the problem. As much as I love my X5, I can't believe BMW no longer engineers fuel level sensors, window regulators, etc., to reliably last longer than 4 or 5 years. ??? My buddy who is a BMW tech calls my X5 one of the more modern 'bean counter' BMWs. Got a kick out of that one...

I'm fine to change them, myself, but as my car is still under CPO I think I'll pass on the purchase of those expensive parts as long as they are covered!

flyingmachine · #4 01-27-2010, 09:40 PM

RenaissanceMan, I use autoenginuity code reader to read codes.

yep, if it's covered by CPO. just send it to dealer and get it fixed by them. even if it becomes fine several days later. just tell dealer what happened. they will fix it as they can still read the code stored in the OBD.

RenaissanceMan · #5 01-28-2010, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyingmachine

RenaissanceMan, I use autoenginuity code reader to read codes.

yep, if it's covered by CPO. just send it to dealer and get it fixed by them. even if it becomes fine several days later. just tell dealer what happened. they will fix it as they can still read the code stored in the OBD.

thanks, flyingmachine!

piggy · #6 02-17-2010, 05:40 PM

I have had a couple of sticky sensors. I think there is a two sensors under back seat. One seems to do full to half and the other does half to empty - but this is a complete guess, dont take my word for it. I find that just filling up unsticks the sensors as the fuel sloshes about, i really cant believe the grade makes a difference. Also, fill up to about 3/4 so you have more than half a tank. Finally, yes you can access them by removing back seat, it only takes about 5 minutes as I have done it.

BTW, this is the best way to remove the wrong fuel from tank!!!