Severe leak warning ((USA) as of 97 only)
The fuel reserve indicator lamp (A1e4) flashes. The signal comes from the injection system control module (N3). The warning takes place at the earliest 30 minutes after cold start with the engine idling and the vehicle stationary. Also refer to document: Purge system with leak test, function
Not sure what it means - but perhaps check to make sure your fuel filler cap is on tightly.
The fuel light flashes on my 97 E420 too, but the engine light did not come on. Someone told me that the gas cap need to be replace. I didn't replace mine, because it doesn't bother me. Besides, if you shut off the engine and restart, it will go away. I know my gas cap is tight. Maybe like apl175 saids the system control module is bad.
Originally posted by brianbonedoc OK - this is kind of weird - anyone know what it means when the fuel light flashes (I have a a full tank of gas by the way). Also the check engine light came on about the same time?
Could this be a weird manifestation of the ubiquitous fuel sender unit problem?
Although I am not completely positive..............it sounds like you are having the same problem I have experienced. Picked up the car from getting serviced at the dealer, stopped by a gas station and it was full service only so I told the guy to fill it up. Several hours later the car reeks of gas, check engine comes on and fuel light starts flashing faster and faster. Called roadside they told me to check the gas cap, and they were right the guy at the gas station forgot to close the gas cap I was surprised as I never thought anyone could just forget to close a gas tank cap. Also, the guy at the gas station overfilled the tank so some of the fuel spilled on the sensor and didn't trigger the check engine light right away once it did the fuel light started flashing because fuel was leaking out the gas tank since the cap wasn't closed and the tank was overflowing. And of course whenever possible I fill the gas up myself, unless of course the gas station has no self-service.
In short, check the gas cap and close it, light should stop flashing and check engine should go away within a day or two if the problem is the gas cap.
P.S. Later it also turned out that the gas cap was defective and was letting air flow into the gas tank which was constantly setting of check engine so the dealer replaced it under warranty.
I hope this helps, and let us know if you resolve the issue.
Last edited by E430 George; 05-10-2003 at 09:31 PM.
I think I may have a fuel problem too. Sometimes when I leave the car to sit when I'm either at home or school and come back to it I can smell gasoline around it and inside. Just a little hint of it though, not a lot. Is that bad?