Strange fuel gauge...

[dave.robbo]

Something a little odd happened to my fuel gauge today..

I went to work this morning, and had just over a quarter of a tank of petrol.
When I got TO work, the level had dropped to just under 1/4, as expected.

But.. When I left work this afternoon, I got in and the low fuel light was on, and the needle was indicating only just above the bottom!

Drove a couple of miles, and the indicated level had risen slightly to about midway through the low level light.

Got to a set of traffic lights, and, as I was stopped, I decided to switch off, and re-start the car. Now the level was reading just under 1/4, and the light is off again! Strange!!

(and the car is parked on the level at work)

 

[p.ilchard]

My W202 has done it too since new, with the additional alarming effect of non-working electric windows and indicators. It never happens if I pause a few seconds after switching the ignition on but BEFORE starting the engine, i.e. until the fuel gauqe registers properly. Is it something to do with an on-board computer booting up slowly? Good idea to do this anyway if it's a diesel I suspect, as the glowplugs warm up a bit.

 

[p.ilchard]

Having re-read your post you obviously don't have glowplugs, but I do! Bet the solution works anyway.

 

[dave.robbo]

Good point! I do normally wait a second or two between switching the ignition on and actually sdtarting. A throwback to my diesel days, I guess!!

Can't remember if I waited today or not......

 

[Dec]

You could try Fuel Injector Cleaner, see… http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=40505

Dec