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ng2951's avatar
ng2951
Explorer
Apr 17, 2019

Broke wires to WIF sensor on GMC LBZ. Leave as is?

Well when rebuild the fuel filter I managed to booger up the wires on on the WIF sensor. In over 250K miles I have never seen a WIF code.

Could mean the WIF never worked, etc.

Do I need to replace this urgently, or what does the group think, and have you done the same to your diesel?

Thanks,
  • I've owned my 2005 Duramax since new, it now has 243,000 miles on it. I've never had the WIF indication either. I had a 2007 Duramax I put 36,000 miles on, never had WIF on that one. At work we had an '02 Duramax with the wires broken off the sensor. In several years of ownership we never had any fuel related problems other than needing new injectors like all the early LB7 duramax engines needed.
    I don't think it's a big deal but, it can't be that expensive of a part to replace. I tend to keep my vehicles repaired no matter the problem. Have you priced a new float? They're only about $50.
  • Yes. NAPA has them for around $30, but since I am leaving in 2 days I really need to replace it now. I am worried I might have trouble locating one locally.

    If I had one, I could probably replace it in 20-30 minutes, but you have to have one to replace it!
  • I think over the last 8 Duramax trucks I have owned or still do own, the only truck that I ever saw the light come on was on a 5500 with an LMM. I would replace it very soon, just because if you take in water and take out the injectors or a pump you will be wishing you had. While it is unlikely, if you have luck like I do at times, it would be time, effort and money well spent to address it now.
  • It is up to you, I have only had the WIF light come on one time and it was in Georgia shortly after filling up. After I installed the AIR DOG pump/filter system there was no option for a WIF sensor. They recommend you drain the water seperator every month. I did it maybe every six months.

    Buy your fuel at a truck stop and you shouldn't have any issues.

    Don
  • The WIF sensor won't throw a code if disconnected, but it won't work either. You could be in for an expensive hpfp repair if you do get wet fuel.
  • I change my own fuel filter on my 2006 LBZ and 3 years ago the wires broke off of the WIF. I picked one up at a local dealer, don't remember the cost, but was easy to replace when the filter was out. I change the fuel filter every 10,000 miles so I have done it a lot with 196,000 on the clock so far.
  • Not an urgent repair by any means IMO. I have similar experiences as above.
    However, most of the Internet “water in fuel” stories seem to come from down in the Deep South for some reason. Humidity, water tables, idk. Just an observation.
  • I got water 1 time, from the Flying J near Jackson GA @ exit 201. Got many false WIF indications over the 9 years we had the 05. Changed the WIF sensor with no change in false indications. Get a new sensor & replace with filter change.
  • Thanks to everyone. I was able to get one at NAPA. However, the DW got the flu, so we won't be taking the RV anywhere!