Petrol guage failure and unstable electrics

[Ian Mitchell]

Yesterday my V reg C240's fuel guage failed for the second time.The BAS and ABS lights flashed on while I was driving (as they do from time to time) and then then empty light came on and the fuel guage dropped to empty.The tank was full as I just left the filling station.I have had about eight electrical failures ,mainly fuses blowing, in 3.5 years.
The dealer has been asked by me several times to run a complete check on the electrics which they claim to have done.They say they find nothing wrong.
Have I got a lemon or can this car's electrics be fixed?Given that the guage failed (tank sender?) about 18months ago will MB pay to have this fixed now I am 6 months out of warranty?My dealer cannot look at the car for three weeks as they are too busy,any point taking the car to another MB dealer?
Any advice appreciated.

 

[piestore]

elecs

Hi

I assume you have a 202, Fuel gauge problems have been common with many models (168,202,208,203 & 163) this has been due to our fuel leaving a deposit on the electrical parts of the sender. I would think you need 2 new sender units and the bas/esp fault is probably brake light switch. Both of these should be confirmed by fault codes and if the car has full MB history should be replaed via good will claim (ESKU)

good luck

 

[Ian Mitchell]

Fuel guage failure and faulty electrics

Many thanks to piestore for the information.Yesterday after braking hard the fuel guage empty light went off and the guage correctly registered a full tank.The BAS and ABS lights are also off.I assume that this situation is temporary and that the guage will again fail to register what is in the tank.
Ian Mitchell

 

[piestore]

fuel sender

Hi Ian

I think you require fuel tank sender units, these are replaced from underneath the car and you have one on each side it is not a difficult job but it is a lot better if you have a ramp.

 

[philharve]

Two senders?

Hi piestore

Why are there two senders??? Is this anything to do with the 'virtual' reserve tank?

REGARDS Phil

 

[cmax200]

I had this problem some time ago, if you do a search on this site you might find some helpful advice. I know its difficult to believe but mine was down to deposits on the contacts of the sender, Thought to be because I was using one of the new improved fuels. Went back to the ordinary unleaded and not had a spot of bother since, never changed the sender or anything, just followed the advice given on this forum.
It does sound ridiculous but do have a look, it certainly saved me a lot of money.

 

[cmax200]

Further to my earlier message, have a look at this link:

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=2962