Normally, I refuel the car when the gauge gets down to 1/2 full..... however,
this week (for 1st time) I let it go down to 1/4 full... before I hit the Service Station.

Dutifully, I put in 40 litres of 95 Ron (premium) until it tripped the pumps backflow device and so wanted no more fuel.

As I drove away.... and expecting to see the fuel gauge at Full, I noticed it was reading only 3/4 full ? Since I had never before had an issue with a lying fuel-guage - I immediately went back to the Garage to complain about the rip-off and their faulty fuel pump at station 4.... and that no way had I obtained 40 litres - for an effective 1/2 tank of fuel !!

My wife just called me to say that when she first took the car out this morning it was reading 3/4 full.... but, it was now showing FULL ??

Can anyone shed any light on what is at fault here and in need my attention? (I simply cannot tolerate a faulty/lying gauges)

I have called the Service Station to cancel the complaint (investigation)

NOTE: I always go to the same (Shell) Service Station and use the same Pump on a weekly basis - to exclude/minimize the prospect of obtaining crap fuel.

I've taken the fuel gauge down to reserve on odd occasion in the past (when touring this wonderful land..... but never have I had any fuel gauge issues - UNTIL NOW !

All help to fix this quickly - is most appreciated.

 

Further.... this vehicle is 2004 X-Type LE Sports (indianapolis) with 128,000 klms on the odometer. Its in absolute perfect condition... not a mark on her, been very well serviced and never ever raced or mistreated.

 

UPDATE:
Been monitoring the suspect Fuel Gauge for past 12 hours... but it seems to be working normally now ? (on startup fuel indicator - moves instantly to FULL)

Not sure what mechanism (if any) is used in the Tank to register fluid level,
or if a float of some description used ??
If anyone has a diagram of the Fuel level indicator parts - that would be helpful
to nailing the problem.

All assistance appreciated....

 

lcgi, you actually have 2 different floats in the gas tank. One for the driver's side, one for the passenger side. It is very possible that one of the floats got stuck somewhere and just a little jar from driving was enough to free it. I would just keep an eye on the level indicator and also on the tripometer. I am sure you know that after traveling for say 200 KM, you fill up the car. Use the distance to confirm what the gas gauge is reading.

From the sounds of things, you would end up dropping the gas tank to get at the fuel level senders. Since you would be inside the tank, spend the extra few bucks and replace both senders. As Murphy's law would have it, if you only replace one, that will be the good one. Then you would end up dropping the tank a second time. Save the aggravation and whatnot.

 

Thank you Thermo....

 

This same thing happens to my X if I let the gas go really low to the point the gas light comes on. I think its just the float getting stuck.

 

LCGI, If you want to narrow it down to a specific level indicator, let me know and I will tell you how to do that. WIthout seeing the drawings, it may be possible, it may not. We will see. The most direct route results in dropping the fuel tank. Not the easiest job, especially if the tank is near full.

 

my 2003 x-type with 121k miles has got this likely problem, too. after pumping the gas tank fully, it will show 3/4 full tank. it will show up to the 4/5 full tank if I drive my car up and down the hills for awhile. sit for any good idea.

 

Well,
I've not experienced this problem again..... so I'm guessing it was just an errant (once off) float action - in the tank. Once it was moved back on track (driving the car around a few corners) All was well again.

Fingers crossed !!

 

mine has also done this a couple of times, even registered no fuel before after a fill up.

i guessed it was just a sticky float or something, each time it has happened, within a few miles it starts working again...happens too rarely for me to worry about it :+)