Fuel gauge not working

[AngelOnBroomstick]

Hi peeps, wonder if anyone can help. Was happily driving home in my '97 316i when the petrol gauge just stopped and the needle returned to its resting position and the low fuel warning light came on. I do have petrol. It seems as if the needle needed a rest! please! Any suggestions. Thanks

[carguy13]

was it just the fuel gauge?

my friend had an issue like that, he had to re-attach the connections on the back of the gauge cluster...but all his gauges were doing that.

[AngelOnBroomstick]

Just the fuel gauge, Rev counter, speedo, temp gauge all working ok. Do have a problem with the digital readout for mileage and trip meter but have had this some time and I don't think it is related.

[carguy13]

hmmm....you might want to wait for a more qualified opinion then.

i'm not sure.

[AngelOnBroomstick]

No problem, thanks for trying

[CanadianWraith]

i had a similar problem turned out it was the sending unit

[AngelOnBroomstick]

Thanks, will try and check it out over the weekend

[CanadianWraith]

good luck, bit of a pita to fix, have to drop the fuel tank so hope it goes well for you

[1998s52m3]

lift the rear seat its easier

[AngelOnBroomstick]

Have removed rear seat and accessed first sender unit which had no effect on fuel gauge. Thought tank was empty at time but was wrong so difficult to work with petrol lapping over rim of access point. All replaced without a problem. Ran out of time and really needed an extra pair of hands as concerned about dropping something in the tank. Will be looking at 2nd sender unit sometime over the next couple of weeks so hopefully will fing the problem them. Just making sure I keep her topped up with gas. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

[CanadianWraith]

good luck hope it works out

[technosid]

i had same problem..a wire had come unsoldered on sender unit in fuel tank..easy fix dude