WIF - Water in fuel

[SonofaSeabee]

Hello forum, I have an issue, thoughts appreciated. Last week, at dealer, had oil change and fuel filter change. All good until yesterday. Started up Jeep, had "Water in fuel - Drain fuel filter" message pop up, put Jeep in reverse to back out of garage, as soon as I put in reverse, warning and icon went away, Went about my business, all normal, returned home. A few hours later needed to run more errands, started up Jeep, no messages/no warnings, ok fine. A few more hours later, started up Jeep, warning back, put Jeep in drive for travels home, as soon as putting in drive, warnings/icon went away, parked Jeep in garage. So, today will see what happens, need to run errands and will fill up on diesel, I may go to another gas station than my usual, possible bad fuel at my usual place? Odd though, never a fuel issue in 3 years, and this warning messages pops up briefly after fuel filter replacement. Thoughts? Thanks!

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[Neutrino]

I would drain some fuel from the filter housing into a clear glass and let it sit for a bit to verify if there is actually any water in there before driving it. Water can cavitate in your HPFP and possibly cause damage to the coatings.

It is noticeable when water separates from diesel fuel.

 

[CO2Wrangler]

I would drain some fuel from the filter housing into a clear glass and let it sit for a bit to verify if there is actually any water in there before driving it. Water can cavitate in your HPFP and possibly cause damage to the coatings.

It is noticeable when water separates from diesel fuel.

This, but also I'd be taking it back to the dealer and making them look at it, especially if it wasn't doing it before. This is why you paid them to do it in the first place.

 

[Neutrino]

Check out this video from this search, Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel fuel filter drain https://g.co/kgs/csNuqBe

 

[Neutrino]

This, but also I'd be taking it back to the dealer and making them look at it, especially if it wasn't doing it before. This is why you paid them to do it in the first place.

If you have a good dealership then that is one way to go. Just keep in mind that the dealer may not cover any costs if there is actually any water in the fuel. That is out of the dealers control.

 

[SonofaSeabee]

Update, just took Jeep out of garage. At start up, no issues/no warnings/no icons. Filled up on diesel. Again leaving station, at start up, no issues. Will keep an eye on things, see if issue happens again. Possible fluke that resolved itself, we'll see. Will educate myself with previous replies on draining filter housing, thanks for input!

 

[BDinTX]

I had similar odd behavior. Pretty sure in my case it was a failing main battery. The aux had already been deleted.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...uel-wif-dash-warning-from-low-battery.138220/

 

[CO2Wrangler]

Update, just took Jeep out of garage. At start up, no issues/no warnings/no icons. Filled up on diesel. Again leaving station, at start up, no issues. Will keep an eye on things, see if issue happens again. Possible fluke that resolved itself, we'll see. Will educate myself with previous replies on draining filter housing, thanks for input!

There are diesel additives that will help with this too as long you're not talking about a ton of water.

 

[Grayhound]

Do you use archoil or hotshot? Could it be weather related condensation?

 

[azjl#3]

Not completely related, I installed an uplift pump and pre filter on my 2006 duramax. Not saying you need a pre pump, but I can't see a pre filter that separates water being a bad thing.

 

[Mbelden]

I had this issue as well. I replaced the fuel filter and it went away. It was about time anyway. If you're handy you can get underneath on the drive side and drain the water. There's an obvious "scrape plate" that's, I believe 3 10mm bolts. Then there's a valve for draining water. Additionally, there's a 32mm(?)cap on the fuel filter. Easy replacement... just be sure to prime before start. I know you said dealer did it, but it's s a great maintenance item to know how to do yourself!

 

[StartedWith97TJ]

Update, just took Jeep out of garage. At start up, no issues/no warnings/no icons. Filled up on diesel. Again leaving station, at start up, no issues. Will keep an eye on things, see if issue happens again. Possible fluke that resolved itself, we'll see. Will educate myself with previous replies on draining filter housing, thanks for input!

As others have already stated, it would be best to drain some fuel from the filter. Not doing so could lead to problems. Doing it will not cause any issues, and will only take about five minutes. If it were my Jeep, I would drain the filter to be safe. Search YouTube for videos. It really is simple and could save you from some expensive problems. If you find water in the fuel you will need another game plan, but at least you will know.

Good luck!

Keep Jeep’n

 

[Mbelden]

As others have already stated, it would be best to drain some fuel from the filter. Not doing so could lead to problems. Doing it will not cause any issues, and will only take about five minutes. If it were my Jeep, I would drain the filter to be safe. Search YouTube for videos. It really is simple and could save you from some expensive problems. If you find water in the fuel you will need another game plan, but at least you will know.

Good luck!

Keep Jeep’n

Isn't water in diesal normal? I thought that's why there's a specific water drain valve? This my first diesal, just figured over time, that's normal since they have a drain for that.

 

[SonofaSeabee]

Thanks for the reply and insight. Did a battery swap from oem to Optima yellow top H7 and aux bypass about two years ago. Have had the yellow top on a noco genius 10 since new, so battery degradation at this point shouldn't be issue, but never know.

There are diesel additives that will help with this too as long you're not talking about a ton of water.

Been using Hot Shot EDT since day one of ownership.

 

[SonofaSeabee]

What are peoples prime procedure? Youtube videos about priming after draining are all different, some are to open and close door as well. I am seeing foot off brake, push ignition button to run, waiting 10-30 seconds, then button to off, repeat anywhere from 5 times to 20 times. Thoughts?

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