Fuel Gauge

[Woodsm]

I have a 97 (E-320) Mercedes and after I fill up the tank and drive for a short period of time, the fuel gauge would move to about half full and then below full. After a while it would move back up to the half way mark but never back up to the full mark or close to it. What could be the problem and how can I fix it?

[ed austin]

Did ya figure it out? It's probably your "fuel level sending unit". My neighbor and I had the same problem on our E's and we replaced both of them today in ~30 minutes. $160 for the part at AZAutohaus.com

[Woodsm]

Originally Posted by ed austin

Did ya figure it out? It's probably your "fuel level sending unit". My neighbor and I had the same problem on our E's and we replaced both of them today in ~30 minutes. $160 for the part at AZAutohaus.com

No, I still have the same problem. How do you replace the fuel level sending unit and where is it located? Thanks

[ed austin]

Buy the part on-line...it's called the "fuel level sending unit". The cost was almost double from my dealer.

The unit is located in the top of the fuel tank. The fuel tank is right behind the back seat and you can access it from the trunk. Just remove the vertical carpeted panel at the wall of the trunk towards the passenger cabin (you don't need a tool for most of the clips, but there are two at the bottom for which you will need a torx bit).

Once you remove the cover you will see the sending unit at the top of the tank. It just twists out but it is probably in there pretty tight since the gasket will have seated itself. I used a rubber oil filter wrench to get a good grip on it, but you could also use a very large set of channel locks. Then you just twist the new one in...you won't need a tool but you will probably need some rubber gloves to get a good grip on it.

Then put the cover back in and toast yourself for saving over $500 from what the dealer would have charged you!!!

Good luck!