Xsara fuel gauge

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mikesmith2
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Xsara fuel gauge

Post by mikesmith2 »

My 1.6 hdi Mk2 Xsara has an erratic fuel gauge. Depending on where it is parked depends on the reading when i get back, it reads at least quarter of a tank difference between parking and returning. Been back to dealer 5 times still no joy. Any ideas?
PowerLee
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Post by PowerLee »

Could be the sender unit, could be the software.

Take it you mean a Citroen dealer?
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AndersDK
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Post by AndersDK »

Hi Mike -

Fuel tank gauges are by definition notoric IN-accurate devices, never to trust really.
They do suffer from some common problems :
1) cabling/connector problem, causing fluctuating or missing readout. Often the connector has displaced because of a hasty assembly on the production line. It will commonly be accessible under the rear seat squab, removing any cut outs in the sound damping mats. Then a large chassis plastic cap should normally be found - and removed.
2) Sticking mechanic float device - or bend/restricted float arm.
3) Erratic sender unit - i.e. "holes" in the resistor sender device.

Remember that petrol fumes are highly flammable - if you decide to have a pop yourself.
Anders (DK) - '90 BX16Image
PowerLee
Posts: 1260
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My Cars: Current - Slightly modified 2016 Pug 308 Puretech 130 Allure
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1996 - 406 GLX XU10J4R
1994 - 405 GTX XU10J2
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Post by PowerLee »

Mk2 Xsara is multiplexed.

Are you running the latest BSI software download from Citroen?

Also seeing as its a HDI petrol fumes shouldnt be an issue :wink:
mikesmith2
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xsara fuel guage

Post by mikesmith2 »

Sorry not HDI 1.6i 16v. Sender unit replaced by Citroen dealer no cure.
Parameters reset by Citroen dealer several times no joy. Now looking at another sender unit or instrument cluster. All under warranty at the moment.
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AndersDK
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Post by AndersDK »

Late types mpx'ed fuel gauge senders with a BSI unit still works the same way :wink:
Its just the communication of signal to the gauge thats different.
Meaning : its still a mechanic float device. Still a connector & cable to the CAN bus.
http://www.citroen-pr.net/catalogues/il ... 50B01A.gif
Anders (DK) - '90 BX16Image
RichardW
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Post by RichardW »

Mk 2 Xsara fuel gauge notoriously unreliable. The computer only seems to take a reading from tank sensor occasionally, and then interpolates what to feed the gauge from what it thinks you've burnt. Gives rise to all sorts of odd readings, and then the light comes on at random litres left, but the computer won't put it out till you put more fuel in. The one in my parent's 02 HDi has been like that since new. Just another Citroen electrical annoyance.... 8)
Richard W
rory_perrett
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Post by rory_perrett »

Possible NOT relavent to this but I get wide variations in my Series 2 Xantia which I think is related to battery voltage, always reads higher first thing in the morning, can be as much as +1/4 tank.

Rory
philhoward

Post by philhoward »

Sounds like its one thing they carried over from the ZX then...

The 1.8 (hatch) does wander up and down as you start a journey, but no more than 1/8 a tank. The TD Estate (fuel tanks different shapes?) was much worse - it would change level by up to 1/4 a tank. ON journeys of about 8-10 miles it would (appear to) have more fuel in it when you got there than when you started. If only it was perpetual motion then i'd never have to fill it up.
Most bizarre when you start it in the morning and you'd lost 1/4 a tank overnight..kept looking for pools of diesel on the floor until I got used to it!
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