Has anyone had problems with the Water in fuel sensor (WIF) on 2011+ SD?<O</O
I had to replace the WIF sensor this past week. I figure there is a small circuit board inside the base of the sensor where the plug is but I have not taken it apart yet to investigate. I kept getting the WIF warning after a rain, after draining the water separator a few times and not finding water and two sets of fuel filters later I replaced the WIF sensor and the pigtail wiring to the WIF sensor. So far no issues or warning lights. Just wonder if anyone else has had any issues similar to mine.<O></O>

 

You'll be better off heading down a bit farther to the 6.7 forum to get your question answered.

 

Moved to the 6.7 forum

 

Sucks because no matter what now, that WIF will always be in your PCM no matter what. Are you out of warranty by chance? Let us know how you end up!

 

I have seen a couple similar posting in past with your issue and replaced the items you replaced and solved the problem.I honestly wouldnt worry too much about the wif permanent code in pcm.If your high pressure fuel pump dies from water ford will deny claim anyways and your insurance will hopefully cover it.This is the outcome of most posting on this forum.At any rate Im sure your good now.

 

So far so good. I'm not out of warranty so I decided to document what happen and keep the pigtail and sensor just incase. I got replacement parts from the dealer while they helped me through the issue. Still, fingers crossed that it's all in the past. Truck is at 63,000 miles.

 

I didn't even think about documenting it with the dealership, smart move. I would definitely keep those parts in case one of those rare failures of the HPFP. How are you liking the truck? Obviously other then the WIF, has it been pretty sweet? Mine is doing sweet now, I am messing around with my tuner to see what gives me the best fuel mileage and drivability.

 

I document all my work online at the ford owners website. List the invoice # as well. So when on the road they could look it up.

 

I really like the truck. It took a long time for me to get to 3/4 ton diesel ownership. With all the talk about FX4 factory suspension.... now I feel every bump in the road. New shocks are in my future. I did get my new Peragon bed cover on yesterday. Looks good and maybe it will get me an extra mpg on the highway.

 

Ive changed my shocks from stock but still feel every bump in the road.I believe its more the leaf springs then anything else.Im also in an f350 so its a little stiffer I would imagine over a 250 with an extra leaf in it.Recently put air bags on and that has seemed to made empty ride much better.When Im loaded pulling my RV the ride is much better.Never have noticed any increase in mpg with my hard cover on.But honestly when I bought the truck it wasnt for economy it was to do a job and it does it extremely well.Getting 16-17 mpg in a truck this size is absolutely fine with me.I drove a nissan 1/2 ton yrs ago that got 13 mpg so 17 in this truck is fine.Good luck and enjoy.

 

After having the warning light come on along with the power reduction mode, I researched for a couple days with no specific resolution. I also went to the local dealer for advise and they were less than specific about a resolution. I tried draining the filter bowl (no water visible in the drained fuel), changing the filters, blowing out and cleaning the connector and inspecting and cleaning the sensor tips. None of these worked.

As I was about to give up and replace the sensor (which from what I'd read is no guarantee of success), I removed the fuel filter bowl again and disconnected the sensor leads, in the process of doing this I noticed that there are actually two connections on the sensor, one from the leads and a second one as part of the sensor. I had cleaned the obvious one, but not the other. When I blew out and cleaned the second it was obviously wet inside. I reconnected the two connectors, re installed the fuel filter bowl and fired up the truck. After driving about a half mile the warning light went off and the power reduction mode went away.

 

Try using some type of "electrical grease" to prevent moisture from entering the WIF electrical socket. You can buy a silicone grease at the parts house.

The WIF is NOT a senor. It is two metal probes that create a circuit when water is present. Diesel is non-conductive.

 

Thanks for the clarification....

I should have added that I used dielectric grease to protect the contacts when I reassembled the connectors.

 

You are welcome

FYI...

If you get the WIF and no water in fuel when you drain it, you can disconnect the connector. As with your truck, once you drive a short distance with the connector disconnected, the WIF cleared and power restored.

Disconnecting the WIF connector and driving the truck will not harm anything til one can clean the connector and apply dielectric grease to the connector. I know, the dealer left the plug off mine after they changed the fuel filter. I drove it for a few thousand miles. I found it when I was checking the Dieselsite Filter to see it they needed changed.