I just got the following message on my '02 cab with 22k mi.: "Fuel Indicator Failure. Take to workshop." Fuel gauge is at empty with warning light on even though tank is full; oil pressure guage not operating; computer out; tach operating but giving little flashes. Checked fuse for control; seemed ok. Anyone knows what this means? Is car ok to drive until I can get to dealer (apart from keeping tank filled). TIA

 

Sounds like the instrument cluster computer has gone whacko. Shouldn't hurt the engine/car but you likely can't believe any of the readings. If you disconnect the battery for about 5 minutes it might reset the computer (you may have to re-enter your radio code too). Might be worth a try?

 

Had the same problem on my 996 Turbo 2-3 months ago. Brought the car to the shop, and the first tried to only recalibrate the tank sensor. That was only a temporary fix, then the problem came back. So they replaced the whole tank sensor (under warranty, although the car was 1-2 months out of it). Since then, everything's fine.

And yes, the car is ok to drive.

Greetings,
--Pierre

 

Ditto. This is a known problem on the Turbo.

After installing the new sensor and recalibrating the gauge is much more accurate. Now when it says "empty" it really is empty!

S.

 

FixedWing, you're right! When I brought my Turbo for this repair, they asked me to bring it with as little fuel as possible in the tank. I did my best: there were only 2 liters remaining!... oops! Wouldn't have gone much further...

--Pierre

 

Before they replaced the sender I would regularly go 20 km beyond the estimated zero point. After I probably could not even go one km. Fortunately I decided to test this out a bit at a time else it would have been a big surprise.

For me, it is a critical issue. We get cheap tax-free petrol in Belgium so I'm always trying to make it back to Belgium with the minimum amount left in the tank.

S.

 

I went on vacation before I could thank everyone for their prompt responses. I just took the car to the dealer and it turned out the connector for the instrument cluster just got disconnected from the harness. Dealer said if it happened again he'd order a new instrument clujster.