Faulty Fuel Gauge Sensor

2001 X5, 3.0 L engine.

Recently, my fuel gauge in the console is giving me errant readings.
After a full fueling (19.8 gal.) the gauge only read 1/4 full, then
slowly went down to empty. Considered maybe a leak since I was on a
trip, so pulled in to another gas station and topped it off with only 4
gal. Still, the gauge only read 1/4 tank. So whats wrong? Fuel gauge
in the console, or fuel sensor in the tank? An easy fix?

GTK wrote:
> 2001 X5, 3.0 L engine.
>
> Recently, my fuel gauge in the console is giving me errant readings.
> After a full fueling (19.8 gal.) the gauge only read 1/4 full, then
> slowly went down to empty. Considered maybe a leak since I was on a
> trip, so pulled in to another gas station and topped it off with only 4
> gal. Still, the gauge only read 1/4 tank. So whats wrong? Fuel gauge
> in the console, or fuel sensor in the tank? An easy fix?

Usually it's a sensor (one of two) in the tank. On mine a wire had
come loose.

wrote:
> GTK wrote:
>> 2001 X5, 3.0 L engine.
>>
>> Recently, my fuel gauge in the console is giving me errant readings.
>> After a full fueling (19.8 gal.) the gauge only read 1/4 full, then
>> slowly went down to empty. Considered maybe a leak since I was on a
>> trip, so pulled in to another gas station and topped it off with only 4
>> gal. Still, the gauge only read 1/4 tank. So whats wrong? Fuel gauge
>> in the console, or fuel sensor in the tank? An easy fix?
>
> Usually it's a sensor (one of two) in the tank. On mine a wire had
> come loose.
>

Thanks for the posts. My TIS CD shows a pretty simple replacement of
both sensors. Trouble is, one sensor cost me $75, while the other costs
$285 (thats the sensor/pump). Sure hope its the cheaper one!! I'll be
returning the second to the Stealer if so.

GTK wrote:
>
> Thanks for the posts. My TIS CD shows a pretty simple replacement of
> both sensors. Trouble is, one sensor cost me $75, while the other costs
> $285 (thats the sensor/pump). Sure hope its the cheaper one!! I'll be
> returning the second to the Stealer if so.

Usually they can be cleaned and/or it's just a bad connection. You'll
be felelign a bit sick if you have to pay out for a new pump just
because a wire has come loose.