Faulty Fuel Gauge/float?

1. user_65821 Frequent Poster Joined: Oct 2013 Bridgend, South Wales Posts: 948 Mk1 VTS, FF BG 182

   #1 17th October 2013, 23:30

   So basically something to do with measuring the amount of fuel I currently have, is not really working accurately.
   
   Had the light turn on earlier that I needed some juice put in, but I figured meh I'm going out later so I won't bother now. Fast forward a few hours, after 5 mins of level driving the fuel light turns off, weird? Fast forward another few hours and it comes back on after going home once again, so I chuck £20 in for now and apparently I've got just above half a tanks full?
   
   Just wondering if anyone's had any issues like this, and whether or not you've got any advice? Off to a garage tomorrow to get two new tires fitted and my tracking done, is there anything I could possibly ask the mechanics to have a peek at for me?
2. vtrmann Frequent Poster Joined: Dec 2009 E yorkshire Posts: 947 53 black vtr

   #2 18th October 2013, 14:23

   It will be the sender unit on the fuel pump. Dont think they come seperate so will need a new fuel pump.
3. user_65821 Frequent Poster Joined: Oct 2013 Bridgend, South Wales Posts: 948 Mk1 VTS, FF BG 182

   #3 19th October 2013, 11:39

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by vtrmann It will be the sender unit on the fuel pump. Dont think they come seperate so will need a new fuel pump.

   Hmm, are they a pain to change and quite expensive or not too bad? Ideally I do want it fixed as clocking the mileage and going on a rough guess isn't great...
4. MartinObviously Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Dec 2012 Perth Posts: 3665 Peugeot 106 1.1 Turbo Peugeot 106 1.5D Turbo Peuge

   #4 19th October 2013, 15:22

   Sounds normal to me.
   
   The gauge is only "accurate" after driving 10-15 minutes.
   
   It's always wrong when you first start up, or after you fill up.
   
   How much did you put in it?
5. Ben_SaxoForte Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Stoke-on-trent Posts: 2640 Mk5 Golf GTTDI Mk2 VTR Project

   #5 19th October 2013, 17:27

   As above it sounds quite normal to me for a saxo, they are not the most accurate of gauges after all it's only a float resting ontop of the petrol in the tank and can easily move when the car is on a slope etc. when you first see the light come on fill it up and you should have no issues.
6. scottie_436 Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 449

   #6 19th October 2013, 18:45

   Think yourself lucky you dont drive a s1 106! Mine used to go from half to empty and back upto full then back down ect ect just cornering lol!
7. jockyb Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2013 Derby Posts: 150 Wicked Red Citroen Saxo 1.6 VTR 2003

   #7 19th October 2013, 19:48

   I've noticed with my Saxo that the light will come on (when I'm getting low) if the car's pointed uphill. When it's on level ground, or pointing downhill it stays off. I usually know when the light comes on , I have enough fuel to do at least 40 -50 miles.
8. user_65821 Frequent Poster Joined: Oct 2013 Bridgend, South Wales Posts: 948 Mk1 VTS, FF BG 182

   #8 19th October 2013, 20:06

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by MartinObviously How much did you put in it?

   £20 mate, and that took it just to half. Trying to do the math in my head and it just doesn't work out lol.
   Going to go for an eco drive this week, just to get an average on what miles I can expect out of a full/half tank full
9. MartinObviously Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Dec 2012 Perth Posts: 3665 Peugeot 106 1.1 Turbo Peugeot 106 1.5D Turbo Peuge

   #9 19th October 2013, 22:27

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by SimpleJoee £20 mate, and that took it just to half. Trying to do the math in my head and it just doesn't work out lol. Going to go for an eco drive this week, just to get an average on what miles I can expect out of a full/half tank full

   that's like mine lol!
   
   If I fill it to the neck, it stays on full for 100miles or so, then drops quickly. hangs abour 1/4 for ages then it's out.
10. raunchz Saxperience Addict Joined: Jul 2005 Solihull / Bournemouth Posts: 14233 2015 Lapiz Blue Golf R

    #10 19th October 2013, 23:00

    Take the fuel pump out and check that the metal tab on the float is in contact with the metal strip - if there's any side to side movement then it would lose contact and not work.
    
    I think I ended up bending the float arm a tad so it was always in contact with the metal strip and was fine then.
    
    If you look at the fuel pump then the above should make sense
    
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