HELP!! E36 92 325is Fuel Gauge Failure

[R_F_L]

Hey guys, I know this topic is been discussed but mine is a little different. I've been having a bad fuel gauge for a while but didn't bother trying to fix it until I ran out of gas while doing 96mph on the highway yesterday. All gauges work except the fuel, the needle is stuck at E and the problem is that the orange warning light on the gauge is ON all the time whether the tank is full or empty. Some people suggested short wiring the cable and tightening the needle but that still doesn't resolve the warning light problem. I haven't yet opened-up the cluster and am waiting for some advice before I do so. Any suggestions??!!

Thanks in advance,

RFL

[grafhky52]

DONT OPEN THE CLUSTER. PULL IT OUT AND CHECK THE WIRES BEHIND IT. IF EVERYTHING IS OK IT IS MOST LIKELY THE FUEL SENDING UNIT.

[Schneller]

Sounds like a fuel sending unit.

Mike Morris
Schneller BMW Performance
Newbury, MA

[R_F_L]

Thanks for the replies guys. Two people thought it's the fuel sensor or the sending unit. Is there a way to repair the problem on my own or do I have to replace the whole unit?

Thanks again,

RFl

[Schneller]

These units require replacement.

Schneller

[grafhky52]

if you want to be sure you can pull it out and measure the resistance of the swing of the level sensor. the ohms should consistantly go up or down and should not go to open loop at any point. if so replace the whole thing

[R_F_L]

Hey guys, I removed the back seat first thing today and cleaned all the terminals. There were two on the left side and one on the right. I sprayed them with electrical parts spray and cleaned them really nice. I also short-wired the cables while the car was on and nothing happenned. When I looked very carefully at the needle after turning on the car, I noticed that it moved up very slightly (the car has a full tank though), maybe .001 of an inch. What does that indicate? Could it be something in the instrument cluster?

Thanks,

AT

[grafhky52]

DID YOU OHM TEST THE SENDER?