on my 1995 xjr the fuel gauge barely ever works. it seems to start working when my tanks below half full but only some times and then stops working again completely. the previouse owner said he used some fuel system cleaner in the tank and it started working again. im not sure if i believe this. is the any adverse effects of using a fuel system cleaner like 3ms version? thanks.
Dayn

 

Any suggestions. I am thinking about trying the fuel system cleaner. Just don't really want to waste the money.

 

I had an intermittent problem with my fuel gauge also. Knew it was due to a dirty wiper assembly so I just changed the sender unit in the tank. No big deal. Got a new sender from Motorcars Ltd in Houstion and waited until the tank was down around a quarter full. You have good access to the tank from the trunk after you remove the trunk lining. Spin the retainer ring and out with the old one and in with the new one. Actually one of the easiest jobs I have done on the car.

EZDriver 95 XJ6

 

The fuel level sender in the tank is most likely the culprit. There were many updates on them over the years. Jag stopped using that design in 2001. Open the trunk lid and peel back the carpet covering the fuel tank. Dead center is a white circle with two wires. That is the sending unit. I recommend making sure the fuel level is below 1/2 tank (preferably near empty). Get a sender and rubber gasket. Tap the locking ring gently counter-clockwise to release the sender. Make a note of which way the wires are going to the sender and remove them. Remove the sender from the tank. Replaced the rubber gasket and install the new sender. Tighten the locking ring clockwise until the tabs stop its movement. A good tight seal here is very important. Reconnect the wires and check the dash for an accurate reading.

On a similar note, one of my older Jags would read zero when it got to 3/4 full. When it dropped below that point, it would go back to reading properly. Funny sometimes the stuff that happens.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. This sounds like it will be alot easier than I thought to fix.
Dayn.

 

Does the battery need to be disconnected for this procedure? I wouldn't think so but wanted to make sure before starting.

EDIT: Never mind, found the post I remembered seeing from before with the info I needed. Battery disconnected, no radio code needed since NA model.

 

I suggest you make sure the tsnk is very close to empty or fuel will flow in large volume from the opening and you know how volatile and explosive fuel is ! Also, if you can, park the car facing downhill so whatever fuel is in the tank it will be further away from the
opening.

 

Yeah I've been carrying a small can of fuel as I attempt to run the tank nearly dry, 276mi so far on the tank and I added +2gallons since fill up so I'm guessing around 5gallons left. I think I need a bit less than 5 to be under a quarter tank. and park on an incline when doing the job.

 

Job done, 20 minutes total including disconnecting the battery. So nice to have clear dash with no check engine light and low fuel warning Another 1-2cm of fuel in the tank and it would have spilled out even with the nose pointed downhill Fill-up afterwards revealed around 8 gallons left in the tank at time of repair.

 

What was the part number and where did you purchase? I am having the same problem with my 99 XJR and trying to avoid going to dealership to purchase part here in Tampa. Thank you

Eon

 

How empty was the tank. Planning to do but tank is show 1/4. does it need to be lower..

 

I would park on a slope if possible with the front of the car pointing downwards with the gauge reading at the most half full (1/4 should be good). Depending on the degree of the slope it should be more than enough to be able to remove the fuel gauge without spilling any fuel

 

thank you very much. I will try to get to it this week end coming up. The weather here in Largo is in the mid 90' so you do not what to work outside in the heat...

Eon

 

Gents did the change out this AM. No major issues came about. Highly recommend you follow instructions, have less than a quarter tank and park on slope facing down. It was one of those KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) jobs.

Eon

 

I've been having the 3/4 tank reading on full. I thought I had the tank low enough to unscrew the white cap...NOPE! Luckily just a bit of leaked fuel. I will have to wait to fix this...

 

Ditto on all them same problems I've been reading about the fuel gauge. Local dealer replaced "Sender"...Ouch @ $358 unit still not operating correctly. Now states only solution to replace cluster. Any alternative suggestions?

98 XK8 Conv't 60K