Fuel filter indicator light
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Fuel filter indicator light
Hey guys, new to the forum and to Power Strokes. Got a question for the braintrust. My dash indicator light came on about 1000 miles ago to change the fuel filters, the little gas pump with water drops by it. So i go down and pick up both the filters and change them out. All is well for about 500 miles, and it came on again. Is there something i forgot to do? I changed the inline filter and the one under the hood. I use Power Service fuel additive, could that have something to do with it? The new diesel fuel? bad filters? Any ideas or advise? Thanks for the help.
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That light is telling you you have water in the separator.... you don't need to change filters; just drain the filter housing in the frame rail by removing the hex socket plug. Catch the drainage so you can inspect it; if there's water in there, start buying your fuel somewhere else. If no water, then the sensor is probably bad.
Power Service additive (either the grey or the white) is a good thing, and wouldn't affect this.
Power Service additive (either the grey or the white) is a good thing, and wouldn't affect this.
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From: Las Vega$
yeah that light means there is water in your fuel/water separator and it needs to be drained... there is a hex key plug on the side of your HFCM and it's a PITA to get to when you have a front drive shaft... but loosen it and let it run for about 10-15 seconds (maybe a quart) or until it stops...
this should turn off the light... if it comes back on right away you may have a faulty sensor, or it's plugged with grease (gelled fuel ?)... or you are getting some bad fuel and maybe try filling up somewhere else. hope this helps.
this should turn off the light... if it comes back on right away you may have a faulty sensor, or it's plugged with grease (gelled fuel ?)... or you are getting some bad fuel and maybe try filling up somewhere else. hope this helps.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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correct me if I'm wrong.
if he changed both filters as he said he did, he would've drained the HFCM during the filter change. and that means he shouldn't get teh water in fuel light any longer, or is my logic flawed. I'd guess that it must be a sensor issue since he has changed out both filters and drained the HFCM during the filter change.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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The fuel in his tank may all be bad .........
A key would be to collect what fuel you drain in a glass jar and visually inspect it as WWB said. A friend of mine got a lot of sand and grit in his fuel once and it behaved just like this. The sensor issue may be real, but inspect your drained fuel - this should be informative.
Let us know what you find.
A key would be to collect what fuel you drain in a glass jar and visually inspect it as WWB said. A friend of mine got a lot of sand and grit in his fuel once and it behaved just like this. The sensor issue may be real, but inspect your drained fuel - this should be informative.
Let us know what you find.
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From: Douglas County, GA
Some of the fuel cannister headers are known to go bad and have to be replaced (corrosion on the water sensor). With the filter out, see if you can see any build-up on the sensor. Better yet, if it is still under warranty, take it in. They'll probably replace the header.
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I have been trying to drain water from my HFCM, have bent the 6mm wrench into a pretzel, has anyone else every had this problem? Suggestions??? I have already had the filters changed, but the light will come on after a few minutes of operation. No problems with the running of the power plant. 04 F350
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Update - I stopped buying fuel at my normal spot and moved down the highway a few miles and started buying at a truck stop. After about a tank, the light went out and hasn't came back on for the past half tank, about 250 miles. I guess it could have been the fuel from the other place? I guess i won't buy there anymore. Thanks for all the input!
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Just wanted to drop a line and say what I've read on this topic is very informative. I am a diesel novice, and really a light duty mechanic overall (oil changes, filters, brakes, suspension, etc) and what I found on this topic on FTE was golden. Drained my first time today on my 06 F350 w 10K after the light came on. Little bit of water in the bottom of the jug and everything is back to normal. Pat on the back to all you guys.
Bunn, NC
Bunn, NC
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Douglas County, GA
Originally Posted by slowmans
you guys that are seeing water shoould run an additive like power service to help rid the water from your system! and not to mention the other benifits youll see using one!
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From: S CAL
Originally Posted by sourbeer
if he changed both filters as he said he did, he would've drained the HFCM during the filter change. and that means he shouldn't get teh water in fuel light any longer, or is my logic flawed. I'd guess that it must be a sensor issue since he has changed out both filters and drained the HFCM during the filter change.
The hex plug that you use to drain the HFCM is a different compartment within the housing and so when the filter is removed it does not drain the water.