mchang18

Hello all,

Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue with their fuel gauge. I filled up my 97 C36 yesterday and the next time I started the car it showed empty. This is only the 2nd time I have filled the car and this is the first time it has happened. (2 different has stations)

I suspect it is the fuel sending units but I have noticed a few people on the forums mention it may be the type of fuel which doesn't make much sense to me but who knows.

Dealer cost of both units is 500$ plus 250$ for labour.

Any ideas?

RPB

Yup, very common issue! Mine usually does it when the gas gets low, but not when full. Most likely the fuel sending units as you mentioned.

GL!

mchang18

It's intermittent currently. Does yours do it consistently?

RPB

Intermittent, if I fill the gas before it gets a little below the quarter mark then all is good.

Saaboteur

This used to happen to my old C43 after I first bought it. Really wonky fuel gauge, very annoying.

However, after a while of running the same brand of gasoline, always the premium stuff, it basically went away. The 'proper' fix is to replace both sender units, but as you've noticed, that's quite expensive. As it doesn't affect the driveability of the car (unless, of course, you run it out of gas!) I would try what I did for a couple months, see if it goes away. Just keep an eye on the trip meter to be sure you don't run out of gas though.

mchang18

Thanks man. I am going to try everything possible before shelling out the dough.

I went to a full service station the last time I filled up and I'm thinking he may have filled it up to high and dislodged the float or something. (no more full service for me)

I hear fuel system cleaner might help as well. Like I said I'm trying EVERYTHING!

DIYGLK350

I have a 2014 GlK 350 and I am having the same issue. Ill have 3/4 tank and then it will go to empty with warning light after i shut it off and restart. Like to hear how you resolved your issue if so. Thanks

siegel242

This happens to me every few years. I found a thread recently that advocated using Marvel Mystery Oil so I tried it and it worked. I have also found that turning the ignition to position 2 and waiting until all the dash lights go on and the fuel indicator registers seems to work as well.

mchang18

I accidentally resolved the issue by Running the car to empty and stalling on the side of the road. The gauge read a quarter full but it slowly died on my way to work one day.
When I filled up at the gas station the car took a full tank for the first time.
Obviously running your vehicle dry is hard on the fuel pump and I didn't intentionally do it, but since then it reads accurately. Running it to empty must have released the floats.

Good luck!