Fuel gauge . Mk 1 problem .

[bikergraham]

I have a 2002 Mk1 Multispace and had a strange problem today . I was sat in a supermarket waiting for er-indoors to return and thought id reset the time on the clock , which i did no problems . When she returned the engine wouldnt start [ 1.9 diesel ] . I managed to find someone with jump leads and it started without problems , all good , untill i noticed the fuel gauge reading , it read max full , with the needle against the stop . Since then ive fitted a new battery but the fuel gauge is still reading more than full . It drops to zero with the ignition off as you would expect . Could the old battery have damaged the gauge i wonder . Any ideas anybody please . I have had this car for 11 years and this is the first problem ive encountered which has resulted in a breakdown .

[Kieron G]

Not had this problem so maybe not best advice but could you disconnect the fuel tank sender at the tank and see if that alters the reading on the gauge. I think I would do that to check is not a sender fault. If not maybe jump starting caused a spike which damaged something in the clocks.

[Kieron G]

When I say clocks I mean dash gauge assembly

[bikergraham]

Not had this problem so maybe not best advice but could you disconnect the fuel tank sender at the tank and see if that alters the reading on the gauge. I think I would do that to check is not a sender fault. If not maybe jump starting caused a spike which damaged something in the clocks.

The fault appeared when i tried to start the car before i managed to find someone with jump leads, so its very strange , ive got an auto electrician coming around on the 28th so hopefully he will be able to find the fault. I can only guess that as the battery failed it may have caused an impulse and damaged something . Ill post his findings.Thanks for your input Kieron .

[oilyrag]

Might be worth reading the fuel gauge item on the M59 Forum before venturing into pulling things apart. An expert will know more - but has the clock reset affected the Berlingos brains - it was the last thing that was done before the issue arose.

[bikergraham]

Might be worth reading the fuel gauge item on the M59 Forum before venturing into pulling things apart. An expert will know more - but has the clock reset affected the Berlingos brains - it was the last thing that was done before the issue arose.

Yes im thinking the same , dont really want to get too involved at the moment with pulling it all apart as im particularly busy in the nice dry weather , so the auto electrician will be able to read any faults , ive used him many times in the past on various vehicles and he only charges £50 for a call out so thats the most sensible thing to do i feel . The fuel tank was nearly full when it all went belly up so i can work by mileage and will fill up again at 400 miles . Ive bought a CTEK charger to make sure my battery never goes flat again . Its the original battery and has been good for 11 years and has never been charged or maintained so it was time i think , its probably one of those items that you wouldnt think about untill it fails . I know better now !

[Tomcat3]

Have you tried a BSI reset on the car?

[bikergraham]

Have you tried a BSI reset on the car?

Um , what's that .??  

[Kieron G]

Have you tried a BSI reset on the car?

Um , what's that .??  

That was my reaction. Is all on this forum how to do that.

[bikergraham]

Have you tried a BSI reset on the car?

Um , what's that .??  

That was my reaction. Is all on this forum how to do that.

OK thanks ill have a look when i have time . Im loathed to do anything electronic if i dont understand it so i need the information to make sense of it all . I most definitely old school and anything like that makes me really nervous , if i can adjust with a screwdriver or chase a circuit out i will , but electronics is a different ball game .