fuel sending unit gone bad
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: CA
W208 CLK55 AMG, F30 335i M-Sport
fuel sending unit gone bad
So a few days ago I filled up my tank and started my car and my fuel gauge was completely at zero, the might wasn't even on. drive home. a few hours later i go to drive the car but this time the gas says its full. now it just does whatever it feels like doing. i have done a little research and I am pretty sure that it is the fuel sending unit. I saw that it was like $700 to fix which is ridiculous. does anyone know a Do It Yourself for this project? that as what i was unable to find.
or anyone maybe have any quick easy fixes that don't need to replace the whole sending unit?
or anyone maybe have any quick easy fixes that don't need to replace the whole sending unit?
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
MB CLK 320 2001
Hello All, I am glad that we have this kind of Questions and fast asnwer from MBWorld. My proplem that my fuel tank is full but the level front of the driver side is not reading it, its going up and down and once i start the car it showe its empty completly could you please advice me what I have to do, some adivce me that the fuel level sensor, I can not find it and I dont know if its the problem from it. could you please give me what I have to do my car is MB CLK 320 model 2001 by the way my car is for GCC waiting your reply soon
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: "Pearl Of The Orient"
CLK 230 KOMPRESSOR
Hi guys. I had the same problem with my 230K after 2 months of getting stuck in the garage with the tank empty and warning light on. When i took my car home and filled it up, the gauge intermittently read empty or full. The long and short of it is that my CLK is now with the dealers and they said they need to replace 2 fuel sending units plus my fuel pump :-( i think a DIY to replace the sending unit is difficult since i assume that these are inside the tank.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
This has happened to me a few times and I have managed to resolve the issue by putting in some injection cleaner into the fuel as sulphur can build on the contacts and prevent the reading. Use a good quality fuel/injection cleaner and give it a couple of weeks and see. You may need to add a couple of bottles to get it to work but it usually starts workign again.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 737
Likes: 38
From: Fort Worth, TX
2019 CLS450/ 2002 CLK55
This has happened to me a few times and I have managed to resolve the issue by putting in some injection cleaner into the fuel as sulphur can build on the contacts and prevent the reading. Use a good quality fuel/injection cleaner and give it a couple of weeks and see. You may need to add a couple of bottles to get it to work but it usually starts workign again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
definately, avoid cheap fuels (UK supermarket fuels), the grade is poor and the high suphlur seems to upset the fuel sender.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
2013 FIAT Abarth 500
This has happened to me a few times and I have managed to resolve the issue by putting in some injection cleaner into the fuel as sulphur can build on the contacts and prevent the reading. Use a good quality fuel/injection cleaner and give it a couple of weeks and see. You may need to add a couple of bottles to get it to work but it usually starts workign again.
If you're having problems with your gas gauge, try running the Techron concentrate through your tank a couple of times (heard somewhere it's not recommended to do it more than 3 times between oil changes). Read the back of the bottle to ensure you follow the procedure correctly; make sure you're putting the concentrate in first when you have a minimal of gas in the tank, and fill up as usual. Drive it like you stole it through that whole tank, rinse and repeat.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
How does the key fob interfere with the fuel level? I haven't had any problems, and yesterday I filled up with the key in the ignition (not running) and my gauge stopped at 3/4, but I could not force any more gas into the tank. Will it reset itself at next fill? I'm waiting to see if it goes down correctly. I always buy Shell Premium 93 octane at the same station next to my house.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Mercedes clk430 2001
Fuel Sending Unit
Namely Chevron, to be specific. I always fill up with Chevron 91 and use the Techron concentrate every other oil change and never had any problems in my 9 years of driving.
If you're having problems with your gas gauge, try running the Techron concentrate through your tank a couple of times (heard somewhere it's not recommended to do it more than 3 times between oil changes). Read the back of the bottle to ensure you follow the procedure correctly; make sure you're putting the concentrate in first when you have a minimal of gas in the tank, and fill up as usual. Drive it like you stole it through that whole tank, rinse and repeat.
If you're having problems with your gas gauge, try running the Techron concentrate through your tank a couple of times (heard somewhere it's not recommended to do it more than 3 times between oil changes). Read the back of the bottle to ensure you follow the procedure correctly; make sure you're putting the concentrate in first when you have a minimal of gas in the tank, and fill up as usual. Drive it like you stole it through that whole tank, rinse and repeat.
I had purchased a 2001 CLK430. After a few weeks the fuel gauge would not register at all. On one post I read about putting in Techron Chevron. I did that but to no avail. I was convinced that I would need to replace the fuel sending units. I also had a problem with the clock not reading. I saw a youtube video about replacing the cable. I did that but in doing that I had to remove all the gauges including the gas gauge. I was also having problems with the speed odometer not reading correct. after putting everything back together. Everything started working again including the gas gauge. The only thing I can figure is that the gauge needles were not seated correctly and after I removed and re installed them I must of seated it correct. So with that said. you can try this before you spend 800 on fuel sending units. You never know it just may work.
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 93
Likes: 4
From: Toronto, Canada
87 420sel, 91 560sec, 02 S55 AMG, 09 A4 3.2, 14 Outback, 12 Focus SE
I had this issue occur AFTER the car died on me yesterday due to no fuel in the tank. The computer showed me I have 3L then 6L but in reality i had 0. The needle was above the bottom so I kept driving but it gave out of course and CEL light came on and was flashing. Hoping I didn't do any damage as I pulled over in less than 500m and got it towed home. The tow truck bought me some gas and filled it but engine continued to misfire and ran rough until the fuel ran through the system properly. So today I decided to get a fuel system treatment by LIQUI-MOLY. I put the full treatment into the tank and proceeded to fill the tank until full. But during the fill, the pump would stop and I had to press it manually many times to get the tank to fill up all the way. When I started the car with a FULL tank, the needle shot up the full. then went down to 0 while car was running. As soon as I started driving, the needle went right back up to Full and stayed there. I didn't drive the car much today and just parked it. Hoping its not major and hoping the fuel additive isn't to blame.
The lesson is, FILL YOUR TANK EVEN IF IT SHOWS YOU HAVE 10L OF FUEL! Save yourself the hassle. I spent 3 hours to get towed home - 15 mins away
The lesson is, FILL YOUR TANK EVEN IF IT SHOWS YOU HAVE 10L OF FUEL! Save yourself the hassle. I spent 3 hours to get towed home - 15 mins away
