Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Just a quick question about the "water in fuel"light

[cwarner]

Just returned from a 1000mile trip and today on the way to work the "water in fuel" light came on.

Now on my trip I made sure I added fuel additive every tankful.

My question is what do I do now? Just drain the water at the filter? Is there anything else I should do? This week we are supposed to have a cold spell(high's in the low teens. ) so I'm worried about the fuel jelling.

 

[BarryG]

I would just drain it and see what happens. There is a TSB on the WIF sensor but if I recall it pertained to bad fuel contaminating the sensor and keeping it from coming on when it was supposed too.

 

[Alan Reagan]

The additive should stop the fuel from gelling. The problem might be ice forming in the fuel line if a "slug" of water is sucked up. I don't think the additive will mix with water. Keep the tank as full as possible while it is cold to avoid excess condensation. Also, if you think you have a lot more water in the tank, let the truck sit on a level area for a while. Then you can open the fuel drain on the filter and turn the key to "on" briefly. DON'T HIT THE STARTER or you'll get air in the lines. The lift pump will pull what's in the lines through and blow it out the drain. Make sure you close the drain completely before starting the truck.

 

[cwarner]

Alan,

I did everything you said last night EXCEPT the parkng the truck on a level area , my driveway is slightly down hill.

I go out to start the truck this morning and it starts and idles but very rough and if I give it any throttle it starts missing. Lot's of white smoke too.

 

[cwarner]

Well,

the truck is at a friends shop. It sat in there for a couple of hours and I thought it would start then but still nothing. It must have some air in the fuel system or the lift pump died.