My "water in fuel" indicator keeps coming on, even though I've drained the water/fuel separator several times.

Is there some other serviceable part of the unit that can be bad? Sensor?

Thanks,
TX

'03 PSD

 

Did you change the filter as well?

 

Agreed as it states in your Owners Manuel as well when this happens

 

If you have a repeated light and have drained the HFCM, there is a problem with the harness or sensor IIRC that causes the light to come on repeatedly.

 

Had not changed the filter on the HCFM, but will do that now. Strangely enough, in my manuals section on the warning indicator lights, it just says that if the warning indicator comes on, then the HCFM should be drained, nothing about the filter. But if you go to the back section on the maintenance guide, it does say to replace the filter. Go figure.

Thanks guys

TX

 

My sensor corroded. Easy replacement, the new one comes with directions. Just make sure you securely tap the new sensor in like it says with a mallet. If it doesn't seat well, it will pop out on a dirt road at 9,000' elevation in a remote part of colorado...... you probably don't need to know why I know.

Both filters need done every 30k if I remember right. The HCFM one is a bit of a pain to change on a 4wd.

BTW, if you replace the sensor, make sure you stick some q-tips in the hole and clean out all the gunk/rust before you install the new sensor.

I think the sensor was less than $10...

 

That was an on going issue with my 06.....every month in the winter I had to take it to the dealer so they could replace the sensor under warranty of course. It never ended along with the turbo and a few other stuff and that truck is long gone. Nutin but a headache.

 

Is there anyway that the sensor could go bad and the dash light not come on at all, or is it designed to where a failure will trigger a repeated "water in fuel" dash indicator?

 

Read post #15 by Tim C https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...uel-light.html

My WIF light wouldn't go out and I performed this procedure. I flushed all kinds of nasty crap out of there and the light went out. I plan to start doing this when I change fuel filters.

 

Mine has done that some come on and off several times and after draining it a few times it would clear up. thanks elee3 for the info.

 

Where is that sensor located??

 

The sensor is on the driver's side frame rail, as part of the fuel filter assembly.

I had a follow-up post..
Update on Water-in-Fuel indicator light - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

which shows how I cleaned it out, and it now works fine. Bottom line is that you need to get a VERY large Q-tip (pic in the link), and get in there and clean out all the junk. It may take a couple of times to get it all cleaned out.

Rgds,
TX

 

I have a 05 F-250 with the 6.0 Diesel and had the same problem with the "water in fuel" light coming on each time I made a hard left turn. Went to the dealership and there was a recall on the HFCM unit to be replaced due to this problem. That was 120,000 miles ago and the trouble light has yet to re-emerge since.

BTW . . . . I change both my fuel filters after every other oil change (4500 miles).

 

Flush the gunk out of the sensor pocket like "ellee3" said. Unless you enjoy throwing your money away. Took 5 minutes and I haven't had any problems.

 

It was covered under warranty at the time. No money out of my pocket. No problem since then. But I will keep it in mind the next time I have that one filter changed out.