Hi

I need some help in regards to fuel gauge problem.

I was rear shunted by an idiot about 6 weeks ago, (I was stationery in rush hour traffic at the time).

The car has been repaired by my insurer (new rear bumper, and reverse parking sensor).

I picked the car up from the repairer last Thursday. I have noticed that the fuel gauge seems to be dropping down more rapidly then expected. The trip computer however shows avg fuel comsumption of around 32mpg. I've only covered about 100 miles since getting the car back.

The gauge wasn't doing this before the accident, and I guess that it wasn't something that would be evident as crash damage when it was assessed. The car has been with the repair garage (non fiat) for about a month due to problem with the rear bumper (I've currently got a revised 2003 rear bumper) on my 2002 model 1.6 Dynamic, 5 Door. But that's another issue.

re: Fuel Gauge. I'm suspecting that the fuel sender unit in the tank may have been damaged in the collision, or looking at some of the threads, that a bad earth or voltage problem. The car has been sitting in their workshop for some time doing nothing.

It would be useful to get some opinion before I go back to my insurer, and the repairer.

Thanks

Rob

Very difficult to diagnose crash damage without actually seeing the car/ testing things. One thing to check is if the fuel tank has been damaged/ is leaking.
When a friend of mine had a crash, they lifted his car using a fork lift and crushed the fuel tank with the fork. It was not actually leaking, but was about 1/3 smaller in capacity than before.

But quite possibly they have just forgotten to put something back correctly that they took off.

I would complain and get it soted. It could be wiring or sensor related. Let them figure it out. It's what we all pay a fortune for. Get the insurers to sort it out. There is nothing wrong with a post fix claim.