M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Fuel Guage Problem

Old May 16, 2009 | 08:34 AM
  #1  
xtraxstar's Avatar
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1998 ML320
Fuel Guage Problem

Hi everyone I am a new MB owner I purchased my 1998 ML320 YESTERDAY and i am already experiencing my first issue. I have read other forums and I now know that the fuel sending unit is often faulty in these cars. I also noticed that almost everyone who said they took it to the dealership to deal with this issue said that the dealership "reset" it for them and it worked fine until the next fill up. So my question is does anyone know how to reset it?


thanks
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Old May 20, 2009 | 12:01 PM
  #2  
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X166, 997
resetting it wont work

Mine had the same issue, resetting it seemed to work for like a month, then back to the old issue...till finally, it stopped reading, and showed empty.

Just get it replaced, it'll likely fail on you soon if you're already seeing it misread...
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Old May 21, 2009 | 07:02 AM
  #3  
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From: Frederick
2000 ML320, 2005 E320 CDI
If you JUST bought the car on the 15th...take it back to the stealership and demand replacement. If you bought it independ. follow davidbho's advice and replace it...it will only continue to not work by ignoring the problem.
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 07:48 AM
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My gauge is reading empty also. Besides the dealer, is there a good source for the sender/pump assembly? I have no problem inst5alling it myself.
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Old Jun 6, 2009 | 01:43 PM
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try this, very detailed DIY
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163...e-install.html
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Old Jun 7, 2009 | 07:58 AM
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I had the same issue on my 1999 ML430. I just lived with the gas gauge always reading empty. Then one day my service rep said he had some warranty money he had to spend and would fix my problem for free. I guess it was an $800-$900 job. Not sure what money he was talking about but I was happy as hell he thought of me.
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Old Aug 20, 2009 | 05:31 AM
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My issue with my fuel gauge is a bit different.

When I fill up my tank....the pump "clicks" telling me my tank is full.

When I leave the gas station, I noticed my tank is only at 3/4 full.

Happened again the following week....seems to top off at 3/4 full...thats what the fuel gauge reads.

I've been using the same gas station for years....nothing is different...the nozzles are still the same.

Any ideas?
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Old Aug 21, 2009 | 01:39 PM
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2000 ML430, Audi A8L 4.2L, E92 M3, CLS 63
I have the exact same issue. I heard there is a way to reset if you go into the fuse box? I will look more into that.
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Old Aug 21, 2009 | 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by monizzle
I have the exact same issue. I heard there is a way to reset if you go into the fuse box? I will look more into that.
anyone know how to reset the fuse box?
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Old Aug 23, 2009 | 04:00 PM
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^^
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/atta...e-accuracy.pdf
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 11:45 AM
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Had similar issue several years ago when it was widely reported, in our area, that a shipment of gas had unusually high sulpher content that was subsiquently delivered to various stations. Irratic fuel guage readings resulted almost immediately. In this case the fuel dealers had to pay to replace the sending unit and I have never had a problem since.
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Old Sep 1, 2009 | 06:08 AM
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From: Adelaide South Australia
ML320
The fuse in question is in the kick panel fuse box in the car. With the ignition switch in position 2 (not started) remove fuse #5, reinsert. This apparently resets the instument panel computer and therefore resets the gauge. Doesn't work in my car though.

What I do notice though is that after standing for a while sometimes the gauge will jump "up" and the trip computer will register approximately the correct distance to go and the gauge reads correct for what I know is in the tank. The gauge will then fall rapidly to the previous levels.
For example I filled up in Adelaide (3/4 gauge reading), drove to Port Augusta, a distance of 303 km. The orange warning light came on, and the trip computer flashed at 117km. Filled up and only put 37 litres into the car. With a capacity of 72 litres and an average of 11.3l/100km that means that the gauge was misreading by at least 20-25 litres. On the return journey refilled again at Port Augusta, drove the 303km back to Adelaide and this time the trip computer was reading 230 km to go. Go figure.
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