Hi Guys
Couple of months ago I had Water in Fuel message pop up on the dash. Got underneath and drained about a litre of fuel from the fuel filter sedimenter (Later type, white "Dumpy" filter) and no water could be seen in the jar that I collected it into. I attached a length of hose to the drain point to prevent spillage. The filter had been replaced about 8000 miles ago (Genuine LR). The message still kept popping up intermittently,maybe nothing for a couple of days then back on for a week. Sometimes it would go ff when driving. The engine runs as well as it always has done.
Two weeks ago I decided to fit another new LR filter and at the same time wash the sensor with IPA and give it a good drying off.
After refitting, the message came up again and is still intermittent. The cleanliness of the sensor connections was checked and all appears sound.
Despite clearing the faults on numerous occaisions it still comes back. I can clear the fault, then read faults and get "No DTC's present, switch the ignition off then on and it reappears sometimes.
I left the sensor disconnected to see the outcome and it comes straight on.
As said, the car runs fine, I am 100% sure there is no water present, just annoying that the fault appears when it feels like it.
I always use branded fuel from garages, Texaco, Shell etc. and not Supermarket outlets.
Any ideas as I have seen the sensors for silly money and also the filter carrier with connecting harness being put forward as a fix
Stay Safe Relocated to Mid France from N. Wales March 2021
Rovacomlite and IDD/ SSD diagnostics user
Previous Landies
3.9 SE Classic
3.5 V8 Disco
4.6 P38 HSE
L322 Vogue HSE
TD4 ES Freelander 1
24th Apr 2020 11:47 am
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13635
Hi
Blimey , £70-80 quid for the water sensor but can buy the whole assembly for £86.00
From what I could see with the carrier bracket and short link cable, it does not include the sensor lead
I may be wrong but it looks that way.
If there was a way to fool it like a brake pad wear sensor I would do it. Knowing my luck Gary, if I bough the sensor it would turn out to be the bracket/Housing with fly lead . Don’t think there’s an OEM alternative
Hope you’re keeping safe & well Bud.Relocated to Mid France from N. Wales March 2021
Rovacomlite and IDD/ SSD diagnostics user
Previous Landies
3.9 SE Classic
3.5 V8 Disco
4.6 P38 HSE
L322 Vogue HSE
TD4 ES Freelander 1
I reckon the sensor is conductive so the presence of water creates a small voltage back to the engine ECURelocated to Mid France from N. Wales March 2021
Rovacomlite and IDD/ SSD diagnostics user
Previous Landies
3.9 SE Classic
3.5 V8 Disco
4.6 P38 HSE
L322 Vogue HSE
TD4 ES Freelander 1
24th Apr 2020 1:15 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13635
rowlejohn wrote:
From what I could see with the carrier bracket and short link cable, it does not include the sensor lead
I may be wrong but it looks that way.
If there was a way to fool it like a brake pad wear sensor I would do it. Knowing my luck Gary, if I bough the sensor it would turn out to be the bracket/Housing with fly lead . Don’t think there’s an OEM alternative
Hope you’re keeping safe & well Bud.
Hiya
Don’t know if this pic is any help to u , is that the sensor at the front, alas I have the earlier type so not sure with this type of filter
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13635
rowlejohn wrote:
I reckon the sensor is conductive so the presence of water creates a small voltage back to the engine ECU
Indeed, I think it sees a certain amount of ohms across it, as u disconnected it and the error showed up straight away I assume by that it’s not a simple open/ close circuit
As I have plenty of time on my hand will see if I can find anything out for u , as if I can find out the resistance I would think then u could put a simple resistor in line which costs just a few quid
Know the more knowledgeable members will be able to verify that , but if that’s correct will at least save u a few quid until such times u replace it
Just a thought , with the lead disconnected, can u put ur multimeter on it to test the ohms reading of the sensor please to see what it is and will at least then give us an indication of what the fault ohms readings are
But of course best to fit a new water in fuel sensor so u at least know if any ingress of water gets in
Hope with me wafflling that makes sense
Last edited by gstuart on 24th Apr 2020 2:46 pm. Edited 3 times in total
24th Apr 2020 2:10 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13635
Just out this here as a reference , so we know what the part number is , ref WKW500080
Will see what I can find for u and post up if I do
24th Apr 2020 2:13 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13635
Well I didn’t know that ref the temperature sensor
Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is located in the engine compartment on the left hand side, packaged to be protected against damage. Incorporated in the fuel filter housing is a bimetallic temperature valve, which will start to close at 30°C (86°F) and will fully close at 50°C (122°F). This allows pre-heated diesel fuel to circulate inside the fuel filter to prevent waxing in cold operating conditions.
Apologises I digress, lol
24th Apr 2020 2:26 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13635
So see this is how it works
Quote
The water in fuel sensor uses the difference of electric conductivity of water compared to diesel and gasoline to determine the presence of water. The WiF sensor can consist of two electrodes that reads the level of resistance in the fluid or between the ground and the electrode.[3]
24th Apr 2020 2:33 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13635
Also can u see any wiring on the lead/ sensor plse as it may be fitted on another vehicle , thks
Last edited by gstuart on 24th Apr 2020 3:05 pm. Edited 1 time in total
From what I could see with the carrier bracket and short link cable, it does not include the sensor lead
I may be wrong but it looks that way.
If there was a way to fool it like a brake pad wear sensor I would do it. Knowing my luck Gary, if I bough the sensor it would turn out to be the bracket/Housing with fly lead . Don’t think there’s an OEM alternative
Hope you’re keeping safe & well Bud.
Hiya
Don’t know if this pic is any help to u , is that the sensor at the front, alas I have the earlier type so not sure with this type of filter
Hi again Gary, missed that one Bud !!
If the lot is for just over £80 I will go for it and keep it on the shelf until the next filter change is due and change the lot. Obviously our first French trip is on the back burner due to lockdown and I may do it prior to if and when we go later this year.
The new filter was about £18 and has only been on just over a week.
I did check the resistance on the sensor lead and it was 5 Ohms.
Yes, the sensor lead is at the front of the photo, it screws into the bottom of the filter canister and secures the drain off "Banjo"
Interesting about the fuel temperature sensor, the old dodge was to put a dose of petrol in the tank to stop it waxing. I remember during the big freeze years ago seeing trucks with a small bonfire lit under the diesel tank to warm the fuel !!!
Enjoy the sun Bud Relocated to Mid France from N. Wales March 2021
Rovacomlite and IDD/ SSD diagnostics user
Previous Landies
3.9 SE Classic
3.5 V8 Disco
4.6 P38 HSE
L322 Vogue HSE
TD4 ES Freelander 1
24th Apr 2020 2:50 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13635
Hi mate
Happy days as indeed seemed weird how the how the entire thing is around the same price as just the sensor
Indeed also didn’t know that , ref the temp sensor, every day is a school day
Remember well when I worked on oil boiler for some 30 x years , , ie the heavy diesel ( red ) 35 Second viscosity and seeing so many where they had waxed
Useto pour a liquid into the boilers oil tank to help prevent the waxing , for the life of me I can’t remember
Glad it helped and when indeed the lockdown is lifted have a great trip
24th Apr 2020 3:11 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13635
Also some info , see u can buy just the top with the water sensor fitted
Still better to buy the complete thing, just a passing comment
Member Since: 19 Sep 2018
Location: Poole, Dorset
Posts: 716
The water in fuel message is a fairly common problem on the type of fuel filter you have. It's to do with the wiring in the top of the fuel filter housing and replacing the complete assembly will fix it.
I had the problem back in November 2018. I replaced the filter housing and it hasn't come back since.
Once the pipes and wiring is disconnected, it's a tight squeeze to get the housing out between the crossmember and the vehicle body, but it can be done with a bit of perseverance and some gentle persuasion Kev
MY2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
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24th Apr 2020 3:39 pm
knwatkins
Member Since: 19 Sep 2018
Location: Poole, Dorset
Posts: 716
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