2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Water in Fuel light

[fest3er]

It rained for a couple days here in SW VA as Isidore stomped by. I started up the truck this morning to go buy a gallon of milk for breakfast, and the WIF light turned on and stayed on.

I've noticed that it often does this after periods of heavy rains and non-use.

Is this likely an electrical problem or a condensation problem? Or is it *really* WIF?

Thanks,
Fest3er

 

[illflem]

It probably is water in the fuel. Just drain your filter into a container and see.

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by illflem
It probably is water in the fuel. Just drain your filter into a container and see.

But instantly upon starting? When it hasn't shown any indication of WIF for months?

IIRC, the WIF light comes on only when it's raining. (OK, it *does* come on during the self-test... . ) I've never had it come on any other time. I know #2 is hygroscopic, but sucking water in through the injectors or the fuel cap all the way past the p-pump and lift pump? Something doesn't make sense.

*Unless* I have a cracked fuel line or fuel hose. Hmmm. There should be plenty of expertise at Kaufmann's next weekend, so I'll check it out whilst I am there.

Thanks,
Fest3er

 

[15w40]

The water-in-fuel light circuit measures the conductivity of the diesel fuel at the bottom of the filter housing. If there is water, the conductivity increases and triggers the light. If the problem you are seeing only happens when it is damp outside, my guess is that the wiring to the sensor might be reading the condensation on the connector. I would try some dielectric grease on the connector after you check the fuel sample.

 

[HC]

Ditto on Dave's comment. A little moisture between the prongs outside the filter would read the same as moisture between the inside prongs.



If it was my truck, I'd still drain a bit into a bottle just to be 100% sure, then I'd change the fuel filter because that's never a bad thing and to be 200% sure, and then I'd be cleaning / greasing that connector to actually fix the real problem. But that's just me...

 

[mimprevento]

WIF

MY light came on briefly just after I went through a big water accumulation on the beach at the Outer Banks ( happiness is a dually on the sand with 50 lbs all around) the light went out after a few minutes at highway speeds once I got back on pavement- that is too coincidental it must have something to do with external water triggering something- I am changing the fuel filter next week anyway.

 

[Bill Lins]

Re: WIF

Originally posted by mimprevento

MY light came on briefly just after I went through a big water accumulation on the beach at the Outer Banks ( happiness is a dually on the sand with 50 lbs all around)

Sounds like you're a member of the "Speed Is Life" club!

 

[SnoKing]

mimprevento

Hope you used about 10 bucks worth of quarters at the car wash when you came off the beach. Or do the right coast beaches use fresh water? SNOKING

 

[mimprevento]

Outer Banks

My friend has a cottage nearby- hosed off the whole undercarriage and washed the truck- I love passing all the smaller trucks at the gas station putting quarters in the air machine as I wave. Passed a 2500 CTD on the beach and he also had full air all around- great fun and this is serious deep sand but torque and a 4. 10 rear make short work of it.