Jump to content

Welcome to RennTech.org Community, Guest

There are many great features available to you once you register at RennTech.org
You are free to view posts here, but you must log in to reply to existing posts, or to start your own new topic. Like most online communities, there are costs involved to maintain a site like this - so we encourage our members to donate. All donations go to the costs operating and maintaining this site. We prefer that guests take part in our community and we offer a lot in return to those willing to join our corner of the Porsche world. This site is 99 percent member supported (less than 1 percent comes from advertising) - so please consider an annual donation to keep this site running.

Here are some of the features available - once you register at RennTech.org

  • View Classified Ads
  • DIY Tutorials
  • Porsche TSB Listings (limited)
  • VIN Decoder
  • Special Offers
  • OBD II P-Codes
  • Paint Codes
  • Registry
  • Videos System
  • View Reviews
  • and get rid of this welcome message

It takes just a few minutes to register, and it's FREE

Contributing Members also get these additional benefits:
(you become a Contributing Member by donating money to the operation of this site)

  • No ads - advertisements are removed
  • Access the Contributors Only Forum
  • Contributing Members Only Downloads
  • Send attachments with PMs
  • All image/file storage limits are substantially increased for all Contributing Members
  • Option Codes Lookup
  • VIN Option Lookups (limited)

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


Recommended Posts

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 years later...

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.

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

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. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.