brianbonedoc

OK - this is kind of weird - anyone know what it means when the fuel light flashes (I have a a full tank of gas by the way). Also the check engine light came on about the same time?

Could this be a weird manifestation of the ubiquitous fuel sender unit problem?

Thanks
-B

apl175

This text may help:

<i>Severe leak warning ((USA) as of 97 only)
The fuel reserve indicator lamp (A1e4) flashes. The signal comes from the injection system control module (N3). The warning takes place at the earliest 30 minutes after cold start with the engine idling and the vehicle stationary. Also refer to document: Purge system with leak test, function
</i>

Not sure what it means - but perhaps check to make sure your fuel filler cap is on tightly.

watercourt668

The fuel light flashes on my 97 E420 too, but the engine light did not come on. Someone told me that the gas cap need to be replace. I didn't replace mine, because it doesn't bother me. Besides, if you shut off the engine and restart, it will go away. I know my gas cap is tight. Maybe like apl175 saids the system control module is bad.

Let me know what happen. Thanks!

E430 George

Although I am not completely positive..............it sounds like you are having the same problem I have experienced. Picked up the car from getting serviced at the dealer, stopped by a gas station and it was full service only so I told the guy to fill it up. Several hours later the car reeks of gas, check engine comes on and fuel light starts flashing faster and faster. Called roadside they told me to check the gas cap, and they were right the guy at the gas station forgot to close the gas cap I was surprised as I never thought anyone could just forget to close a gas tank cap. Also, the guy at the gas station overfilled the tank so some of the fuel spilled on the sensor and didn't trigger the check engine light right away once it did the fuel light started flashing because fuel was leaking out the gas tank since the cap wasn't closed and the tank was overflowing. And of course whenever possible I fill the gas up myself, unless of course the gas station has no self-service.

In short, check the gas cap and close it, light should stop flashing and check engine should go away within a day or two if the problem is the gas cap.

P.S. Later it also turned out that the gas cap was defective and was letting air flow into the gas tank which was constantly setting of check engine so the dealer replaced it under warranty.



I hope this helps, and let us know if you resolve the issue.

brianbonedoc

Thanks everyone - it was the gas cap. I hope the check engine light goes away soon.

-B

colliegrey

I used regular gas and had the same problem, I switch to premium w/ one gas treatment and my problem was solved!

Delux2d

Thats right mine just started today I orderd a new Gas cap soo hopfully when I pick it up the gas light doesnt come on.

BigBoss

I think I may have a fuel problem too. Sometimes when I leave the car to sit when I'm either at home or school and come back to it I can smell gasoline around it and inside. Just a little hint of it though, not a lot. Is that bad?

ohlord

fuel and if it is venting to the atmosphere your cel should be on telling you a major leak code.
Is the fuel light blinking?
Got Codes?
tell us what the fuel problem is.

BigBoss

No flashing light.
No CEL.

Delux2d

Got the gas cap today replaced it.. light doesn't blink and also Check engine light is off!!!