Fuel Gauge reading empty when just filled up.

[BruceT]

According the gauge in the car we had just over half a tank, yet it took £60 around 58 Litres...?

Then, once it filled (pump clicked once so stopped) paid and got it, fuel gauge needle went to full, then dropped to empty and the amber LED low fuel light kept flashing every few seconds.

We carried on our 205 mile journey hoping it would right itself...


We found, turning left or right sharply (Roundabouts) it would go up to max and then drop.

After 50 or so mile the gauge would go to max fuel and then drop (while crusing on the motorway) it did this every few mile and finally stayed at the maximum after about 90-100 miles.

Now after 260 miles its still reading max but when turning sharply or braking hard the needle will still drop the empty?

Im guessing its something to do with the sendor thats under the rear seats on the drivers side?

Ive lifted up the seat base and moved the sound deadening and the plastic cap was not on correctly so Ive popped it back on full but it smells slightly of diesel in the cabin.

I think someone has attempted to fix/alter it in its life recently.

What do you guys think I need to do to replace it?

[Doggy]

Sounds like someone else has had a go recently...

The sender unit is part of the lift pump, (I think), and pricey - about £165 from Peugeot
(Think I've heard of other people getting one for about £110 elsewhere).

Anyway, that's worst-case. You may be able to fix the one you have - nothing to loose taking it out and having a look to see if the float etc is misplaced / loose / sticking.

Maybe somebody still has a dead pump with a good sender?

[BruceT]

I have heard cleaning the contacts can sometimes help assuming its not the float at fault.

is it true you cant lift the pump/sender through the rear seat base without bending metal and that you have to drop the tank?

I have seen some on ebay for £110+ posted

[Doggy]

It should just lift out of the tank, once you disconnect the wiring plug & fuel pipes & unscrew the locking ring.

[BruceT]

Hmm really?

I read on "Honest John" website that Peugeot never expected the 406 to have a HDi engine and thus the cap/hole to view the sendor is not big enough to remove it through?

I was going to have a look but its peeing it down at the moment and looks pretty much set in

[Doggy]

John may be Honest, but not always that well-informed....

Try this link

[eoin27]

406 never meant to have a HDi?? It was the flagship for the original HDi DW10 engine

Anyway, my last 406 had the same issue. Very Annoying. Turns out the fuel sender level indicator lever thingy got bent out of shape when the fuel pump was pulled out incorrectly. You will more than likely need a new sender unit as they are near impossible to readjust andget accurate fuel readings. Believe me, i tried.

[BruceT]

Right, well im fairly confident doing DIY stuff on cars although all previously been petrol.

How hard is it to replace the pump/sendor?

Is there any precautings when fiddling with it or inspecting apart from disconnecting the battery and keeping diesel off my hands?

[bangernom1cs]

Hi,
Long shot ...but on mine...

If you leave the ignition/engine running on whilst filling up , the guage doesnt move and still shows where it was at before filling.
As does the trip computer. This freaked me out a bit when I bought the car as I put £20 quid in it to get across the pennines.
Computer said..NO..!
Take the key out and generally this sorts itself out after a minute or two.

Tony

[BruceT]

Okay... little update.

Dash fuel gauge said just under half a tank but took 58 litres (70 litre tank) ? So fairly low!!!


Filled up to the brim, for the first 50 mile the gauge stayed at 0 with the fuel light flashing.

50-100 it would occasionally kick upto full for a few seconds and then go back to 0

130 it would read full on a steady ride, brake or corner fast and it would goto empty.

Ive now 500 miles on the motorway and its still showing full!!!!

Im guessing I need a new fuel pump then?