01441 low fuel level sensor

[philfingers]

1999 AFB 2.5 Tdi Auto
My glow plug light has been flashing for about 4 months and 8000 miles. As fuel economy and performaqnce seemed unaffected I didn't bother with a diag read. It became difficult to start and when I checked the glow plugs they were all shot (cars done 230k, they have never been changed in the 80k I've had the car for). So changed the plugs and started much better. Also did the dynamic timing the other week and got 41mpg on a around trip to scotland in sub zero temps so not all bad.
So i finally read the fault codes when I did the timing the other week and got


01441 - Low Fuel Level Sensor (G210)
30-00 - Open or Short to B+

Even with the tank full the light is flashing. Fuel gauge works ok and the low fuel indicator on the DIS doesn't show until it enters the red on the gauge.
Anyone any ideas? I tried clearing all codes but it's either not cleared or has come straight back.

Also got:-

Address 08: Auto HVAC
Controller: 4B0 820 043 P
Note: Excessive Comm Errors

Any ideas on this one?

Phil

[paul b]

Phil,

If the gauge and the DIS low fuel indicator/bong work then I'm not sure what the first problem is about.

The excessive comms errors is probably because, like me, you're using a 3rd party cable/interface for your diagnostic program i.e. VAG-COM. A genuine one wouldn't have this issue. As said I get the same thing with my car, it doesn't mean there's a fault in the system.

Paul

[philfingers]

Thanks for the info Paul. Any idea if I can reset the fault code? As stated before I'm not sure if the fault code was cleared and it immediately reappeared or if it wasn't cleared. The flashing glowplug is beginning to bug me as there doesn't appear to be any other fault with the car.
Indeed you are correct, it's a 3rd party cable

[paul b]

You can reset the code, though it will come back if the problem remains. While you're in the controller, and you've hit clear codes, if the code appears to not go away, it's a case of the code has come back, not that it couldn't be cleared.

Regarding the glow plug light, checked your brake lights recently? ;)

[Peter D]

There is a 2 pin connector on the Fuel Pump insert in the tank under the Inspection cover on the drivers side under the rear seat. This should read Fuel level in baffle housing OK: specification approx: 430 Ω Fuel level in baffle housing too low: specification approx. 100 Ω.
Regards Peter

[philfingers]

Thanks Gents.
brake lights are fine, haven't changed a bulb in a long time, if ever in fact. Tho both number plate bulbs went in a matter of weeks recently, probably not helped by -15C in Scotland!
I seem to remember the brake light switch can be an issue? Is this still a possible even tho all my rear lights are working fine?
I'll check the rear pump connections Peter, thanks for the tip. I'm so glad i cut the polystyrene under the rear load deck in the Avant. Now all i need to do is remove the spare wheel panel, the four bolts for the luggage hooks and I can get the whole thing out without removing the side panels. You can only see it's split when you open the little cubby hole/try thing in front of the spare wheel cover now.

[Peter D]

You did not say it was an Avant. However did you measure the restance and what was it. Regards Peter

[philfingers]

no not had chance yet, porbably doing it the w/e when I do the upper four front suspension arms- joy!

[philfingers]

top man Peter. It was the plug on the top of the pump, it had popped off, I hadn't refitted it correctly. Pushed it down a bit harder and it latched. I take it this isn't the same as the idiot light on the DIS which comes on to tell you fuel is low, i giess this signal must come from the level sender then, as this has worked (and the gauge) throughout.
Thanks again,

Phil

[Peter D]

Yes correct. Good that it is fixed. Regards Peter