Fuel gague orange light/float

[Ashmyster79]

Hi all

New on here yesterday having recently purchased my 2nd boxster (1st one a disaster). So being a Porsche fan I found a car that was in my price range. Needed a few bits doing which were done and am in the process of doing. A nice little project for me.

However when I bought the car the fuel gague was on empty and the light was on. As most people sell cars empty I didn't think this would be an issue. Straight to the petrol station and fill up. I drove off and was still on empty and orange light still on. Drove home nothing still dead.

I have looked online here YouTube the usual places. Now it could be one of a few things. The guy I bought it off said it was left on empty for sometime so the float has stuck. This is feasible but how can I unstick it?

I filled the car up to full as I read this can reset the gauge. Also it could need calibrating. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on this. Obviously I don't wish to take it to Porsche 4 days after buying it but then can't drive around not knowing how much fuel is in it.

Also as I am new here can anyone point me in the direction of good reliable specialists in Essex UK to help with my project. The roof will need a new screen at some point.

Thank you for your help in advance.

Will get some pics up as I go. Glad to be back driving a Porsche ;-)

[healthservices]

Not that hard to get to, make sure to get radio code if you do not have it already...

most likely fuel pump was installed incorrectly and float arm is blocked. here is the removal instructions

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Fuel Pump Replacement - 986 / 987

And welcome...

[Ashmyster79]

Good point on the radio code. I know the battery has been off from the previous guy so he should still have the code. Will give this a go last thing I want to do is run out of petrol on a long drive

Thanks for the link

[Mark_T]

Use your trip meter for a fuel gauge until you can get this fixed. You should be safe a 400 km per tank. I usually get at least 450km and sometimes as much as 600km from a tank, depending on how I drive it.

[Ashmyster79]

Hi Mark.

I done this earlier when I filled up. I guess it will depend on how it is driven but will keep it topped up as much as possible. I think I will take it to a garage. Could be one of a number of things and knowing my luck I will get it wrong ha

Thanks for the tips.

[BIGJake111]

Reset odometer when you fill up and make it to the station by 250 miles, this is around how long I go on a tank, at the least 200 with very spirited driving.


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[Mark_T]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

Reset odometer when you fill up and make it to the station by 250 miles, this is around how long I go on a tank, at the least 200 with very spirited driving.

Excellent suggestion Jake. Wish I'd thought of it!

[Mark_T]

Originally Posted by Ashmyster79

I done this earlier when I filled up.

did. Shouldn't have to tell a Brit things like this!

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by Mark_T

Excellent suggestion Jake. Wish I'd thought of it!

i saw yours right after i posted and could not delete my post on ipod haha! i guess i will leave it incase anyone wonders what people usually get on mileage basis haha.

[Deserion]

When you get the sending unit out, you may want to clean off the contact surface of the float with electrical contact cleaner (away from the car, natch). Depending on what year yours is, it shouldn't be too hard to pop the sender out of the tank. I've become an expert at that.

[Ashmyster79]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

Reset odometer when you fill up and make it to the station by 250 miles, this is around how long I go on a tank, at the least 200 with very spirited driving.


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

Cheers Jake. I did 178 miles and refilled. Bit panicky so will take it in and invoice the people who sold me the car. They assured me everything was ok on the car. I would not have bought it with such an integral instrument not working grrrr

[Ashmyster79]

Originally Posted by Mark_T

did. Shouldn't have to tell a Brit things like this!

Perfect. I get grammar assistance also. I have landed in the right forum

[Mark_T]

Welcome, bro!