Fuel Water Light

Hi Guys,

Got a 2003 Defender County. The light that is meant to indicate that there is water in the fuel is coming on.

I think I have had a problem with this before and after a lot of p***ing about found that the sensor was knackered (tried draining the filter and no change). Can anyone confirm whether my diagnosis is correct and whether there is a fix for this slightly annoying problem.

Thanks,

Jon

This is a common fault on the TD5. I have replaced three sensors in total. Mine is a 2000 model.

This sensor is attached to the fuel filter and is prone to breaking easily when left on the filter for long.

1. regular loosening and checking help prolongs the life of the sensor
2. if you live in an area where the fuel is pretty good, you can remove this sensor and use a plastic screw on to plug the 'hole' in the filter. only fit it on when you are going to go to some far away place or off roading.
3. do not over-tighten this when re-fitting, as the sensor ages, the plastic becomes brittle and will snap off leaving you 40 pounds poorer.

Thanks guys,

I am a member of the cobra club forum too and you are just as helpful!

I think I might just take it off seeing as I live in the UK.

Nothing new to add to what's already been said, but after having my water sensor snap into pieces from having seized to the filter, I ran a full year without the sensor with no problems - I fitted a stainless bolt to a new filter and made a weather-proof cover for harness connector for a later date.

Once I had a new sensor to fit, 1) it really wanted to cross thread starting into the filter so be VERY careful and 2) don't hesitate to put some anti-seize compound on the threads of the water sensor even though they're plastic.

we just diconected the sensor on our 52 plate 110