water in fuel filter (diesel)

[murf1101]

Hi Folks, 

i have the 'water in fuel filter' warning light and 'battery' warning light on in my 2007 avensis simultaneously.

Is this a water problem or a power problem?

 

Also how would i drain the filter until i can get to a mechanic?

cheers

Murf

[Heidfirst]

could be an alternator problem,

Iirc the instructions for draining water from the filter are in the manual.

[murf1101]

Heidfirst,

Thanks for the reply.

Ive been through the manual page by page, nowt there except a 'report to dealer' note.

Am more worried its the alternator, they arent cheap!

cheers

[TomdeGuerre]

I've never owned a Toyota diesel so don't know how to drain the water from yours from personal experience. From videos i've seen the diesel fuel filter has a white plastic base plate screwed on to it containing the float level switch and wiring connectors. Water is denser than diesel so water will sink to the bottom giving you the warning light. I can't believe there hasn't been provision made to drain any water off without dismantling the whole system yet there seems to be very little info about it. I've included links to a TOC post and a also a video showing how to change the filter but as far as I know they don't give you any specifics about draining any accumulated water as a service item. 

It's more likely to be the alternator if both lights came on together but, even if it is, your alternator might be able to be repaired. If it's only brushes these are quite cheap ~ £5 or so and don't take too long to fit.  

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/92108-my-engine-noise-is-on-you-tube/?page=4#comment-886270

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyyZKztY86w 

 

 

[Awesum]

I had the same problem. There is a drain on the bottom of the filter unit. I opened this, let out all the contents, manually primed it using the black pump on the top.

It started but runs extremely badly. I guess I'll have to try a few times till the air is out of the system.

The lights bot still come on. Checking the Battery voltage it drops from 12.4V before starting to 10V when the engine is running.

I guess it's the regulator...

 

[frankie406]

Not sure where your alternator is situated in your 2007 model mines a pre-facelift 2006 the alternator is bottom left side but the drive shafts needs to come out.get it refurbished a lot cheaper and you know it will fit back in.when you do get to start your car is both lights still on?

[Awesum]

Hi Frankie

Yes both do come on. I can't understand why the Water in Fuel filter light is on. I don't have a wiring diagram of the fault indicator light.

I've kept the Battery charged with a charger so it eventually starts. Time is the issue.

 I've seen replacement new Alternators on eBay for £140 but don't fancy doing the work in this cold weather.

In the old days I'd have had it out and refurbished in an afternoon but it's a much bigger job than just the 2 bolt and a fan belt job it used to be.