Water in fuel warning message

[Jon Hyde]

Hi All,

I've had a warning message - Water in fuel - see handbook - briefly on two occasions recently.

Handbook says the diesel filter has too much water in it and needs draining.

Can anyone tell me if this is possible myself, or do I need a trip to a dealer?

Thanks in advance,
Jon

[Guest]

Hi Jon,

 

Easy DIY. Done it myself for the same reason. See here for an overly elaborate but really very useful guide:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBZ7V9NfQYU

 

Good luck, 

Ian

[discomin]

7 hours ago, Jon Hyde said:

Hi All,

I've had a warning message - Water in fuel - see handbook - briefly on two occasions recently.

Handbook says the diesel filter has too much water in it and needs draining.

Can anyone tell me if this is possible myself, or do I need a trip to a dealer?

Thanks in advance,
Jon

Hi Jon,   I was plagued with this issue during the last six months of the XF warranty.

The agents were good enough to show me how to drain the fuel / water separator,

which was a very easy job to do. (several times a week), It was obvious there was no water in the diesel.

Six months down the line, with the warranty just expired, they diagnosed a faulty sensor,

and replaced the filter unit, charging me £100+

Quite annoying !

In answer to your question, yes you can do it yourself. 

[Jon Hyde]

Thanks Ian & Richard,

Guess what I'm doing at the weekend!

Cheers,

Jon

[Mark Grand]

I had same alarm so changed fuel filter as it needed doing anyway. Still had alarm. After reading all the forums it looked like it was the common issue of faulty sensor so changed this and still had alarm. 
decided to do some checks on the cables and bingo. Found a broken cable right at the point where it comes through the bodywork by the passenger light. It was trapped under the air filter box. 
Repaired the cable and all is now good. 
 

[Boothy72]

I have just had this light come on, it's very intermittent, I have already had the fuel filter changed and still getting the error. I saw Mark's comment about the broken cable, would be great if you could post a photo of where under the bonnet you found the break so I can check mine. 

[RobT65]

I’ve just had the same problem; changed the fuel filter but still have the ‘water in fuel’ warning. 

[N71NCK]

Well I've have the same issue.. Had a full service all filter change..Still the warning comes up.. Water in fuel.. Like many of us, having the time to DIY isn't possible.. I mentioned it at Halfords. They knew the problem.. £88 to solve.. Or have it done on top of a major service.. !Removed! condensation getting in the fuel pump , a sensor will pick it up, or it could be just the sensor,  that can be replaced..  Don't worry.. Just not good if you're looking to sell..  When you sort it, let me know.. Cheers 

[General Wessel H Linden]

Hi All,

 

The same issue started after replacement of the diesel filter. I had my car serviced, all filters replaced, then the alert came up.