Greetings. I noticed 2 days ago when I started the car that the fuel gauge immediately jumps to the full position. The tank was not full at the time. This happens everytime I start the car now. I am assuming there is some type of float that relays the fuel level back to the dashboard. Any idea what the problem is or if others have had the same problem? Thanks in advance.[:@]

 

You're right. IIRC its called the fuel sending switch. It needs to be replaced. On the B5, it's a quick repair, but the car has to be driven with the windows open for a bit to remove gas fumes after the job is completed. The mecanic usually does this for you so you don't have to deal with it.

 

OK Thanks. So, is this just an annoyance until I can get it reapaired? Any special tools needed if I try to undertake this myself?

 

After doing a little searching online, it looks as though there was an 'official' Audi recall covering malfunctioning sending units. I guess my 1st. step is to call the dealer for more info.

Campaign Number: 01V157000 Date: 2001-May-03


Component: Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SULFUR IN FUEL INTERACTS WITH CERTAIN ADDITIVES FOUND IN WIDELY AVAILABLE GASOLINE CAUSING SULFUR TO BECOME DEPOSITED ON THE CONTACT POINTS OF THREE FUEL SENDING UNITS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO READ FULL WHILE THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT IN FACT BE FULL OR COULD BE EMPTY.

Consequence Summary: RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE TANK LEAD TO SAFETY PROBLEMS.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS AND REPLACE THEM WITH FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS USING A NEW ALLOY COMPOSED OF GOLD, SILVER, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF NICKEL, WHICH WILL NOT CHEMICALLY REACT WITH SULFUR. VW/AUDI WILL ALSO CALL BACK VEHICLES THAT WERE REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL LAST JUNE IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE UPDATED FUEL SENDING UNITS NHTSA 00V137/AUDI LB). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-866-892-2834.

 

Definitely... Get Audi to do the recall.
You can't do this yourself.
Yes, it is an annoyance only. Just keep track of your mileage so you can estimate your fuel level.

 

The fuel sender unit was identical to the one used in the European models. Unfortunately Audi did not account for the fact that US grade gasoline is not homologous with European standards. It is quite a bit more 'inpure' with a high sulfur content. This is why the problem occurred.