Instruments - Fuel Gauge Responds Slowly/Won't Read Full
Classification: EL08-014BReference: ITB08-044B
Date: April 26, 2010
2004-2005 QX56; FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ FULL, IS SLOW TO RESPOND, OR IS INACCURATE
This bulletin has been amended. Applied Vehicles, VINs, and Date information have been changed and the Service Procedure has been amended. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLES: 2004 - 2005* QX56 (JA60)
APPLIED VIN: Vehicles built before 5N3AA08(**)5N 810787
APPLIED DATE: Vehicles built before May 16, 2005
* IMPORTANT:
Some 2005 QX56 vehicles are not covered by this bulletin; they are covered under Infiniti Voluntary Safety Recall Campaign ITB10-020 (that addresses the separate issue of the fuel gauge reading 1/4 full when the tank is empty). Check Service COMM to see if the vehicle you are working on is instead covered under that Campaign.
IF YOU CONFIRM
^ Fuel gauge does not read full when tank is full.
OR
^ Fuel gauge has slow response to full when tank is full.
OR
^ Fuel gauge is inaccurate.
ACTION
Replace the fuel sender unit.
NOTES:
^ See the Service Procedure for instructions on replacing the fuel sender unit.
^ DO NOT replace the entire fuel pump assembly for this incident, if it should occur.
IMPORTANT:
The purpose of "ACTION" (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire Service Procedure as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing the repair.
PARTS INFORMATION
CLAIMS INFORMATION
SERVICE PROCEDURE
^ Follow all cautions and warnings in the Service Manual when performing this procedure.
^ Wear suitable personal protective equipment (gloves, face shield, etc.) during this procedure.
^ Make sure the ignition switch is OFF before going to step 1, below.
^ Do NOT bend the Float Arm when handling the new Fuel Level Sending Unit.
1. Remove the Fuel Tank from the vehicle.
^ Refer to section FL of the Service Manual for removal information.
2. Remove the Fuel Pump Assembly from the Fuel Tank.
^ Refer to section FL of the Service Manual for removal information.
3. Remove the Fuel Level Sending Unit from the Fuel Pump Assembly as follows:
a. Press in on the two locking tabs on either side of the Fuel Level Sending Unit (see Figure 1a).
b. Pull the unit UP and OUT of the attachment slots (see Figure 1b).
c. Remove the brown Fuel Temperature Sensor from the white plastic retaining clip.
d. Remove the two Fuel Temperature Sensor wires from the securing tab.
e. Unplug the white 3-wire connector at the top of the fuel pump.
^ Do NOT disturb the black 2-wire connector.
f. Carefully cut the tie-wrap securing the harnesses to the black corrugated tubing.
CAUTION:
Do NOT damage the wires, wire insulation, or the tubing when cutting the Tie-Wrap.
4. Install the new Fuel Level Sending Unit as follows (see Figure 4):
CAUTION:
Do NOT bend the Float Arm when handling the new Fuel Level Sending Unit / Fuel Pump Assembly.
a. Slide the new Fuel Level Sending Unit into the attachment slots until the two locking tabs snap in place.
^ Confirm the locking tabs are snapped in place by trying to move the Sending Unit up and down (it should not move).
b. Insert the brown Fuel Temperature Sensor into the white plastic retaining clip.
^ Make sure the "circular flange" of the sensor is positioned between the clip and the rib.
c. Insert the two Fuel Temperature Sensor wires into the securing tab.
d. Connect the white 3-wire connector into the top of the Fuel Pump (see Figure 5).
e. Push and pull all connectors to make sure they are fully locked in place.
f. Use the new tie-wrap to secure all the wires to the black corrugated tubing. These include the three Fuel Level Sending Unit wires and the two Fuel Pump wires (see Figure 5).
^ A new tire-wrap is included with the Sending Unit.
^ Place the tie-wrap 90 mm (about 3.5 inches) from the top of the tubing.
^ Cut off excess tie wrap.
^ Make sure the wires do not interfere with the movement of the float arm.
5. Carefully reinstall the Fuel Pump Assembly into the Fuel Tank.
^ Refer to the Service Manual as needed.
CAUTION:
Do NOT bend the Float Arm when re-installing the Fuel Pump.
6. Reinstall the Fuel Tank into the vehicle.
^ Refer to the Service Manual as needed.
7. Confirm the Fuel Gauge operates properly.