Fuel Gauge Problem?

[BrownTrousers]

Hi all,

Bit of a strange one this, so am wondering if anybody has experienced anything similar?

My fuel gauge (and range calculator) has always worked fine, up till last weekend. I was getting very low on fuel and just as i approached the fuel station, the gauge dropped low enough to change from "one bar" to "no bars and flashing orange light". I didn't think anything of it, fueled up, and everything seemed fine.

But on subsequent rides (I've been out 3 more times, including another fuel-up), the fuel gauge now often shows empty with the flashing orange light, even though i know it is half full or more.
It seems to work ok when ignition is first turned on but after a few miles it displays empty. Sometimes it switches from empty (false reading) to nearly full (true), and back during the journey. Usually it is showing empty.

It's not a huge problem, as i use the trip meter to keep track of fuel anyway (I've never trusted bike fuel gauges) but the unnecessary flashing orange light is annoying especially riding in the dark.

Eventually i'll have to take it back to the dealer i guess, but i would be key to hear about any suggestions what the problem is or similar experiences.

Thanks,

[Wassers]

Not heard of that problem before Browntrousers.

Sounds like a trip to the dealer for a fix under warranty 

[hawaiianbrian]

Yes, there seem to be problems with the fuel gauge on this and other Ducati's. The problems seem worse when using Ethanol based fuel. Mine was acting up for quite a while and then when I started using non-ethanol fuel the problem cleared up. I haven't been using the bike on a regular basis since I have been working out of country but on three vacations it was not functioning.  Then I had set up an appointment at the dealer to get it looked on my last trip home but when I got there and rode the bike it was working fine, the only thing I had done was fill up with non-ethanol fuel before I let it sit. On a Diavel forum some owners have reported problems with their sensors as well, I did just buy a 2013 Diavel and will save the Multi for touring. Anyhow I will spend a little more and use pure benzine from now on.

[BoonerNC]

I recently experienced the same problem last time I rode, the bike's been great with no issues for about a year and all of a sudden the fuel light came on flashing and no fuel bars when it was about half full.

I refueled straight away and rode home, it did it again with a full tank. Guess I'll be taking it back to the dealer.....

[Goldstar]

Just had my fuel sensor unit replaced for exactly the same fault....

[lather]

My fuel light will flick on for a moment even with a full tank, but the fuel gauge bars don't change when this happens..

[BrownTrousers]

Ah sounds like I'm not the only one then; which should at least mean a fairly smooth discussion with the dealer. Thanks for the input guys!

As an aside; I've only had 3 motorbikes and this will be the second one to get a new fuel sender under warranty! (My CBR500R left me at the side of the road by running out of fuel while displaying full)

[BrownTrousers]

To update / round up this thread:

Ducati Cambridge replaced my fuel sender unit today and everything appears to be fixed.
No quibbles, no hassle, Monster 821 loan bike and 26 degrees outside so no complaints from me.

[neilb]

Excellent, that's the kind of Ducati service I like to hear 😊

[Ian_H]

I think I have the same problem ... picked up my "new to me" 2017 bike yesterday.
Filled it up .. all good
30 minutes later - orange flashing fuel light, gauge shows empty and flashing, range shows flashing dashes --- . Stays the same for the next 45 minutes home.
Get home let bike cool down - problem disappears.
Go for a ride in the evening - no sign of the problem.
I think I read on another Ducati owners forum the issue might be heat related - anyway will be keeping a close eye on this one.
I have 3 months warranty from local dealer and then Ducati warranty until Nov.