fuel indication problems
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fuel indication problems
Hi, I am new to this forum, have a 2006 XJ8 and was wondering if anyone has had a problem with their fuel gauge reading. Here's what happened. I had my car filled up and the indication read fine. After travelling about 120 miles, the needle had dropped by about a quarter tank which is typically about right. Things started to look weird when subsequent starts had the needle pointing at about 3/4 full, then gradually rising to show a full tank within about 5 minutes. It would stay there throughout the rest of the journey. I have since driven about 250 miles and when started, the needle will show 1/4 full, then slowly work its way up to show full and stay there. I topped up the tank and it took about 15 gallons, and the funny thing now is that it will fluctuate between full and 1/2. Has anyone else experienced this problem and is there a simple fix to it? I have searched the forum and it seems that there isn't a previous post like this. Thanks for all your comments. Ben
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 259
From: Atlanta, GA USA
RE: fuel indication problems
It seems your car may still be in warrenty, so take it to the dealer to repair. It is most likely a faulty fuel level sending unit that is in the fuel tank.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 326
From: Chesapeake Bay area, Virginia
RE: fuel indication problems
If your VIN is G00421-G28859, you may need to get it in for TSB XJ310-01. This car has a saddle fuel tank and requires not only a main fuel pump but a fuel transfer pump to pump fuel over the saddle to the main pump side. There is a level sender in each pumping module and they compare notes. If one module is bad, the composite signal is bad and you are getting the erronious readings.The TSB involves a number of tests and replacment of both modules.
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RE: fuel indication problems
Thanks everyone for your replies. My VIN doesn't appear to be G00421 to G 28859. It is however an 06 VDP. Is the TSB XJ310-01 a recall item for this vehicle? Also do you know if this item is covered by the certified pre-owned warranty? My factory warranty just ran out about 100 miles ago.
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 259
From: Atlanta, GA USA
RE: fuel indication problems
If you are only 100 miles out of warranty, they would probably repair it anyway.
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Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: California
RE: fuel indication problems
I had a case where after filling up, the needle would suddenly drop to "E" and stay there for a while. Then after restarting (or just driving around for 15 minutes), it would read correctly. This happened only two or three times and never again. Since then, I just avoid the pump's automatic shut-off when filling up and I've yet to see this bug return.
Just bought a 2006 XJ8 yesterday, and noticed the gauge works on and off. If I start the car, and it registers a fuel level, it stays on. If not, it usually fires-up after about 10 minutes, and gives me a fuel reading....
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,460
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From: Florida
I have noticed the gauge is rather inaccurate, when it gets down to the last 6-7 gallons the low fuel indicator comes on and driving in hilly or mountainous areas really messes it up. On a recent drive the gauge level was all over the place because of this.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Cirencester, UK
Similar Fuel indication problem..... X358 2008
My gauge only operates between Full and Half full. The computer shows miles travelled and MPG both OK but the range only goes down at half speed - i.e. for every 100 miles travelled the Range only reduces by 50 miles.
I am about to run the fuel level right down to empty by not filling up for at least 440 miles - just to see if the Warning light still works, even when the gauge still reads half full.
I'll carry a spare can of fuel in case I run out without the light showing.
I guess that one of my tank sensors has packed in - giving a reading of full, while the other sensor is giving a correct reading.
What do you think???
I am about to run the fuel level right down to empty by not filling up for at least 440 miles - just to see if the Warning light still works, even when the gauge still reads half full.
I'll carry a spare can of fuel in case I run out without the light showing.
I guess that one of my tank sensors has packed in - giving a reading of full, while the other sensor is giving a correct reading.
What do you think???
This one's a LULU! I have an ECT ( engine coolant temp sensor ) issue and have had to run with codes showing rich for a 100 miles or so. New part arrived yesterday, not fitted yet. Had to do a short run to shops. Fuel gauge "off the dial" pointing towards "temp". When ignition off gauge only drops to 3/4. Switched on an off again - no change. Seems like needle had a power surge or something??? Also engine was over revving for most of the journey, ticking over warm at 12-1500 revs. Bad starting from cold but has been OK when warm. About to put in new ECT sensor today but very concerned about the fuel gauge issue - it's a real weirdo!
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 85
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From: Staten Island, NY
I also have the fuel guage problem - From full tank to about 1/4 it seems to work fine, but lower than 1/4 on the approach to empty, the low fuel will correctly indicate the low fuel level, but after a restart and a short drive, it rises up gradually to about 1/8 of tank. After some more driving, the low fuel light will either constantly go on and off, or it will remain around 1/8 to 1/4 tank reading and run out of gas.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
From: bedford,tx
well, i have a fuel level problem, a little different, than above. i fill it up, and it will only show the first mark over the half mark and will stay there until the fuel actually goes below that mark then it works on down like it's supposed too. it's been this way for a few months as my funds are temporarily down. sounds like a sensor somewhere has gone bad or a corroded connection. any ideas? Dave
Last edited by David Cupp; Jun 9, 2012 at 07:27 AM. Reason: tried disconecting battery...didn't work. will see about a local wiring harness to the brake actuator next.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Cirencester, UK
I've fixed it - perfect fuel reading & warning light now
My problem was solved after the electronic parking brake failed to either engage or disengage a couple of times - I had a new parking brake actuator fitted and discovered what it really needed was a new local wiring harness to the brake actuator.
To my amazement this fixed the Fuel Level Indicator issues, which must utilise the same harness.
RESULT........
To my amazement this fixed the Fuel Level Indicator issues, which must utilise the same harness.
RESULT........
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
From: bedford,tx
fuel indication problems
after about 8 months fooling around with this problem..i finally got my house re-financed and went back to my autohaus dealer in ft. worth to see if we could figure out the problem. they did a diagnostic check--$130.-- and found the fuel sender , in the fuel tank, under the back seat was faulty and replaced it, for a totla of $580. and gave me a discount down to $525. now it works fine.. just had to bit the old sock..yuck! and fix it..car is happy and i'm less stressed..dave
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