LB7: 2002 Duramax Water in Fuel Light !!!

[Miguelesp]

So over the weekend I picked up a clean 2002 with 100,000 miles.

The previous owner did all the services around 3000 miles ago,
now I'm getting an intermittent WIF light (goes off, then comes back on, goes off quickly).
I don't want to drive the truck and possibly damage the engine!

Hot Cocoal suggested I take a look at the filter and drain the water (appreciate the help).

Upon reading about the procedure I since drain the filter twice , but no water seems to be in the diesel. The light continues to come on and go away.

I read on another post that the diesel should not sit in the truck for a long periods of time in the truck. I believe the truck has sat for about 1 1/2 months because the previous owner bought a 2015 Duramax.

Could this be the problem?
Do I need a new sensor?
Will draining the fuel tank help this problem?

Today I bought this product . will this help my problem?

http://powerservice.com/psp_product/clear-diesel-fuel-tank-cleaner/

I would appreciate any guidance.
Thank you.


Miguel

 

[Hot COCOAL]

Hey Miguel, check the wires going to/from the sensor and into the wire loom...also, when you checked the filter did you press the plunger and try to purge a bit of fluid/fuel or did you just bleed it?

There's a few things gs I'd do, #1 no matter what, get a dual filter lift pump, you know, one of the ones that separates water too and WHEN you do get one you can delete the factory filter head altogether.. Till then...

I'd probably get a new sensor and I'd probably also drop the tank and clean it...that's just me, but if you can't be absolutely sure its clean, then its dirty...and you should read up about the factory draw straw and 1/4 tank issues and imagine what might be lurking in there...

Me, I like running a fuel tank sump. For this and several other key reasons that all make the potential drawbacks to using a sump, insignificant to me.

Anyways man, hopefully someone has a better answer for ya...I do believe if the sensor does get triggered and water is present, you have to replace the filter not just drain it?

 

[02greysixer]

Only use an o.e. style metal fuel filter as well. Also only run a gm WIF sensor. I've seen some aftermarket ones trigger ghost wif messages.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[Miguelesp]

Thanks for the suggestion guys.

So today I stop by a diesel shop near my house and spoke with the owner.
He suggested I change the fuel filter and if that does not take care of the WIF light,
then I would need to drop the tank and toss all the fuel because I probably
have water in the tank.

I came home and change the fuel filter, check the wiring to the sensor. Sensor looks good. I then took the truck for a short drive and the WIF light still comes on intermittently.

So maybe tomorrow I will pull the tank and try to solve this damn WIF light.
Stay tune!

 

[04Max]

why not just unplug the water sensor. Give it a test drive. If the WIF light still comes on, you have a wiring problem. If not, it is a bad sensor.

 

[Miguelesp]

why not just unplug the water sensor. Give it a test drive. If the WIF light still comes on, you have a wiring problem. If not, it is a bad sensor.

So I unplugged the sensor and took it for a 30 minute drive.
The light continues to intermittently come on and off.

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated ?

 

[02greysixer]

You have a wiring issue

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[gamudslinger88]

Look for knicks, broken or burn spots. Chase the wires back to the loom and split the loom if you have too. Chevrolet/GMC are known for crap wiring. Breaks and grounding out are not unheard-of.

 

[04Max]

At least you don't have to drop fuel tank.
The wire ends up at the big wiring connector on the driver side. It's a yellow wire with black stripe in the engine harness. May be easier to find if unplugged. Grounding the wire turns the light on. It sounds like you have the wire touching ground somewhere from the filter sensor to the connector.
Hope this helps.

 

[Miguelesp]

Thank you Max.
I will it trace from the sensor to the driver side connector.
I appreciate the help!