[Hahn92]

Intermittently when the weather is well below freezing and the car has been sitting for a while, when the car warms up and reaches 80 degrees Celsius, the fuel gauge starts flashing. Doesn't matter whether the tank is empty or full and this only happens when it reaches 80 degrees.

This has happened before when warming the car up during storage the past couple years. Although it has not been a problem. I just restart the car and everything is fine. This never happens at temperatures above freezing.

So it happened yesterday, while driving (when the car hit 80 degrees) and now my engine light came on. Last year the engine light came on for the same reason (I think). I just reset the codes and it never came back on..until now. I just don't want to reset things if it poses as an actual/serious problem.

Any ideas what it could be?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ArcticDweller]

Hi Theo:

The flashing fuel gauge light and CEL indicates there is a problem with the evaporative system.

It could be:

• loose, or bad, gas cap
• bad shut off valve at the charcoal canister
• bad fuel pressure sensor, or level sensor
• a leak somewhere

The same thing has occurred more than once with my 1999 ML320, especially if it is standing at idle too long.

Normally, shutting off the engine and then turning it back on will reset the flashing fuel gauge light to 'OFF'.

The CEL light should reset itself to 'OFF' after the Roadster has been driven for awhile.

You may want to read the code and confirm what the intermittent issue is.

Hope the above helps.

God Bless, Arctic.

 

[edcarls]

... I just reset the codes and it never came back on..until now. I just don't want to reset things if it poses as an actual/serious problem.Any ideas what it could be?

Why not read the code before resetting. The trouble code number would guide you or give a hint of the source of the problem.

 

[RM98SL]

I had the same problem with my 98 SL500, flashing fuel gage and engine light on, it was the purge valve. I replaced it and problem solved.

Others have had leaks at the purge valve connections that was the cause. The purge has the letters MOT on the top and is located in the engine compartment just behind the driver side headlight.

 

[Hahn92]

Thanks for the advice. Yea the code was p0455 (generic). Evaporation Emission System leak detected. Same thing as last time (Had checked before I cleared before). the climate control showed a fault code of 233 (refrigerant sensor I think). I have to take it in for service soon anyway. I'll check it out myself first. Thanks again.

 

[sproduct]

Had the same problem, it was the purge valve. I removed mine cleaned it with wd40, cleaned electrical connectors, and put sealant on the vacuum hoses, cleared check engine light and all is well.