E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

Fuel level sending prob?

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Old 02-27-2006, 06:14 PM
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e320 Wgn. 98, 08 R320 CDI, 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
Fuel level sending prob?

The low fuel warning/multifunction message went on my wife's 1998 E320 wagon went off today even though the instrument gauge showed 1/2 to 3/4 of a tank of gas. I told her to put in some gas and the warning light went off.

So, can anyone give their opinion whether is this definately a fuel sender problem or something else? Thanks 4 your help.

Last edited by allezdude; 02-27-2006 at 06:15 PM. Reason: add info
Old 02-27-2006, 09:59 PM
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W205 C300
How many gallons did she have to put in for it to read full again? Most of the time when the sending unit goes bad in the tank, it will only read 3/4 full when the tank is all the way full. You could have an instrument cluster problem.

Fill the tank and see if the needle reads full. Reset your trip odometer and do some average driving or if you are going on a long trip it would be even better. Drive about 400 miles and refill the tank. See how many gallons it took. It helps to have an idea of what you MPGs are but they should be around 20 to 25.
Old 02-28-2006, 10:16 AM
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2015 E350 4matic Sport and 2011 C300 4matic sport
sender

I agree with e-klasse. Usually the sender breaks and does not register full. Mine broke and the warrenty covered the $200 plus worth of work to replace it...
Old 02-28-2006, 10:26 AM
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OK- thanks

I thought maybe there was a separate sensor for the low fuel light. She said she could only add about 3 gals and then the gauge read full. The light went off after the 3 gals were added. I'm guessing this is at least $500 repair here in Chicago area.

Thanks for the tips.
Old 02-28-2006, 12:14 PM
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209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
Its a known problem re the fuel level sensors,,,either not reading the correct level and or the low fuel light on at 1/2 tank...Defective fuel level sensor...They have Updated the sensor a couple of times...The New Replacement part has GOLD connections in the sensor for a better contact ...seems to work!

Buy The sensor and replace it yourself!
Old 02-28-2006, 05:35 PM
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What do you meam by sensor going on?

Does the light come on solid and stay on until fuel is added? Or does the light flash? If it flashes, you may have a leaking gas tank cap.
Old 02-28-2006, 08:36 PM
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I also had a problem when the car was new. The gauge quickly dropped down to 3/4. The sensor was replaced under the warranty, and I haven't had any problems since then. Your problem sounds different, but also leads one to suspect the fuel sensor. BTW, the E-Class does not tolerate overfilling very well. It is important not to top off the tank after the nozzle shuts off. Otherwise, the check engine light may come on.
Old 03-01-2006, 12:15 PM
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Light Flashes

the light went on again- flashing. maybe I will replace the gas cap as a cheap first fix try.
Old 03-01-2006, 12:38 PM
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Flashing = Gas Cap seal.
Old 03-04-2006, 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by MARK CUMMINS
Buy The sensor and replace it yourself!
Is this the float unit in the tank? Any tips on changing it? Mine is a C230.

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