406 V6 fuel gauge fluctuates

The fuel gauge on my 406 seems to swing widely across the range towards
full and empty. I don't actually see it moving, but often when glancing
at the gauge, it seems to have moved quarter of a tank in no time at
all. Today for example, I refuelled and the gauge read exactly half
full. Within 24 km, it was reading quarter full. Within 5km it was back
close to half. It appears I cannot rely on the gauge to give me a
reliable indication of fule in the tank. Any similar experiences?

 

My fuel gauge is very stable and does not fluctuate.
I guess if the change is this rapid then it must be either a loose/bad
connection or a faulty sender unit.

Regards
G

 

G, what model/year do you have? Mine is 1998. The whole instrument
panel/unit had been replaced for the previous (original) owner by the
new car dealer.

 

I just returned from a long trip in my 406 V6 and I noticed that the
fuel reading varied a bit - nothing like as much as yours though. It is
usually possible to make the particular trip and return on one
tank-full. I noticed as I was about to leave on the return that the
gauge showed a little less than half-full. But, within 50km or so, it
was above half. OK!

Later, in the same leg, it was markedly down - so much so as to raise
doubts as to whether I would make it home without a transfusion. But
then it seemed to correct itself and I made it home well before the
fuel warning was activated.

I assume that the 406 fuel gauge is driven by the same sort of sender
which has been in use for decades - one which translates the fuel level
into a resistance. If so these variations may be due to a sticking
potentiometer or, maybe, to changing voltage level - the latter would
account for the reassuring improvement in my fuel reserves soon after
departure.

 

Thanks Ken
It sounds as if your gauge is behaving in a similar manner to mine,
which could suggest a design factor is involved. I am keen to hear from
other owners, particularly V6 owners, just to compare apples with
apples.

 

Mine is perfectly accurate, so I don't think it's a design-factor !

2001 D9 Coupe here - what's yours ?

 

Well mine is sufficiently accurate - the errors were on the safe side.
And the variation was small - from just below half-a-tank to just
above.
Sedan.

 

1998 V6 saloon. There may have been a batch that behave erratically.

 

I can accept that. I am still getting used to a 'gas-guzzler' compared
to the Fiat Punto 1200cc that we otherwise drive around the city! My
biggest car previously was a 2000cc.

 

Mine moves very erratically. 406 LXDT 1998

 

Thanks Madrigo Padrigo. Same year....interesting.