When i fuel up the gauge will briefly show what i think is the accurate fuel level and then after a few miles driving it drops and rests at the very bottom and the trip computer reads 0 miles to empty even though i know there is plenty of fuel why oh why

is it because i rarely use the car? Last month i used it a total of 3 times. I am now at my wits end with these little problems. My main drive is a w202 c250td and it has not given me half these problems even though its a good 4 years older . Only time it gave me problems was when i tried to run it on waste vegetable oil otherwise everything works no problems. Why are these vans so prone to electrical issues

I am now beginning to thing previous owner sold it for these reasons



I

 

Well at least the other gauges are not going like Christmas lights, but saying that it would probably just need a reboot. Sounds initially like the tank unit. But before you go fishing it out in this cold, snow showery, weather, do a test at the tank unit wires/connections. Tank unit works on a resistance principal where a finger runs over wires on a board. So connect the two wires together and confirm you show a full tank. (Or other way round). This will confirm its tank unit.

 

How do I reboot

 

Drops and rests at the bottom is a good indicator of EVAP issues, check for leaks in a line or a vacuum in the tank - 1st test is 1/2 fill tank and leave the filler cap off, if the gauge does not drop any more its a vacuum in the tank.

Reboot means reboot the computer BUS by pulling the IOD fuse or the NEG battery terminal for 15 minutes.

 

Thank you very much, i will pull IOD today see if it makes a difference

 

I had something remotely similar with an old car years ago when the floater of the fuel gauge was leaking. As soon as I filled the tank it would float up but slowly fill with fuel and sink to the bottom showing "out of gas" on the gauge.

 

Vmaxxer...Emmmm...Are you into the Belgian Beer as well. I know what you mean by what you say but....It happens to Darkcild everytime he turns the key. But I'm sure you know that. Oh and anytime your coming my way fill your boot with Belgian beer for me you really nice chap.

 

Goggs, my comment was purely anecdotally
And if/when I might come your way with my van I will happily bring you some Dutch beer

 

Remember years ago, when the "booze cruises" were on the go, the village had a steady supply of Oranjiboom from the lorry drivers that ventured onto mainland europe.

 

Lately I started drinking this Dutch beer Its lovely..