Fuel level sensor

[astaib]

Hello,

Since I bought my DA40, I’ve noticed that the sensor for fuel level in the right wing is wrong, it started to show 14 gallons when only 9 are in. Then it continues to decrease but it’s never accurate. Lately it shows 6 when only 2 were in.
As I’m constantly refueling full tank at each flight it is not a problem, but I wanted to know if you ever experienced this problem, and eventually how to troubleshoot it.
I heard that in the past this plane was staying for long periods without full tank, maybe it has damaged the probes.
The left wing sensor is accurate.

Thank you.

Arnaud.

[Rich]

Easy (cheap) things first: go under the wing, pull connectors off the fuel sender, clean them up with contact cleaner and such and see if that fixes it. There's also a procedure whereby you put one gallon at a time in the tank (starting from empty) and measure the resistance at each point. Then check with JPI (who now supports the VM1000 - I hope) and see what they say. After that, it's wing removal and pulling the sensor. Problems I have heard of:

1. The sensor is not positioned properly in the fuel tank.
2. Water or other contamination in the sensor.

I have replaced one of these. It's really expensive. Take all other suggestions first.

[Lance Murray]

The connector is in the same panel as the fuel tank sump drain. Mine was giving me hassle a few weeks ago. I disconnected it. Sprayed some corrosion X treatment on the connections. Plugged it back together and it was good to go.

If needed there is a calibration procedure for the VM1000

[astaib]

Thank you. I will start with spraying the connector.

Thanks.

[Charles K]

There is a similar gallon by gallon recalibration for G1000 as well.