"water in fuel" dash light

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by HELLBENTDENT, Mar 13, 2019.

  1. HELLBENTDENT

    HELLBENTDENT Bobtail Member

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    Jul 21, 2018
    Edmonton Alberta
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    The "water in fuel " dash indicator light comes on only when driving on WET roads.
    I have a '14 Int prostar / Cummins with 500000mi.
    Might this be an exposed sensor or wiring issue ?
    No loss of power but check engine light as well as the inverted triangle flashes about ten times then just have the water in fuel on the display...
    Any ideas where to start...?
    Have tried fuelling at different places but always happens when roads are wet...
    Thanks
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Canuckistan
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    Assuming the light goes out on its own without you physically draining the bowl I'd lean towards electrical. Could just be water getting into a wiring plug in the rain and causing connection problems. I'd start with physically disconnecting any plugs in that circuit and checking for evidence of water intrusion. I'd smear a little dab of dielectric grease around the plug body when you reassemble it too. Also check for missing or damaged seals in the plugs too. The water sensor more than likely gets unplugged every fuel filter change so the seal is susceptible to going missing. I'd physically inspect the wiring to that sensor as well. Maybe give the wires at the plug a gentle tug. Most 14-16 gauge wires should be able to stand an 8-10 lb tug. If it can't, then the wire was broken and it was just insulation holding it together.
     
  4. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Probably water intrusion into the sensor connector. It is usually plugged into a frame mounted water separator filter such as the Davco or Raycor depending on what you have. Unplug it and smear some dielectric grease into the connector.
     
  5. HELLBENTDENT

    HELLBENTDENT Bobtail Member

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    Jul 21, 2018
    Edmonton Alberta
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    Thanks guys...will update this thread if those suggestions work...
    appreciate the info
    Thanks
     
    PoleCrusher, Oxbow and Heavyd Thank this.
  6. HELLBENTDENT

    HELLBENTDENT Bobtail Member

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    Jul 21, 2018
    Edmonton Alberta
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  7. HELLBENTDENT

    HELLBENTDENT Bobtail Member

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    Jul 21, 2018
    Edmonton Alberta
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    Thanks guys ...it turned out to be sensor connector
    appreciate the info
     
    PoleCrusher, Oxbow, SAR and 2 others Thank this.
  8. Bias_racing

    Bias_racing Light Load Member

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    Aug 4, 2019
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    Where is the sensor located. I just went through a nice sized puddle this morning and it kicked mine on
     
  9. PSUPPAL1994

    PSUPPAL1994 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 29, 2021
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    I have international Prostar 2016 eith Cummins and water in fuel sign coming up. Did you find the sensor connector
     
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