TheSamba.com :: View topic - Fuel level sender for a good price with bonus

Tue Apr 02, 2024 4:16 am

I've been looking for a new fuel level sender for my 2003 MV.

I'm pretty resourceful when it comes to tracking down parts and this part is near impossible to find.
However...

I found a fuel pump assembly on Amazon that comes with the level sender. The sender just clips onto the top cover and can be removed to install on your van. The wires are soldered to the connector so I used some small insulated spade connectors to hook it up. I didn't want to solder it because I did the job with the pump portion still in the tank with gas. I didn't want to take a chance with a 650 degree soldering iron in close proximity to gas fumes.

Anyway, it works great! I'll keep the fuel pump assembly in the van as a backup pump in emergencies. Not sure I'd use this pump as a permanent replacement for a stock pump. In that case I'd recommend a VDO pump.

The best part? It costs only $52!

Pump:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V7VR71R

Small spade connectors:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9BRAGY

Sat Jun 28, 2025 11:20 pm

I think my sending unit just took a crap (was wonky when around half full, then the other day just went to empty and is stuck there now) so I'm pretty happy to see you found a cheap solution! I'm going to plug in my VAG-Com cable tomorrow and verify the signal is incorrect from the sending unit, if so I'll dig in and replace the unit. My question is on this replacement I see that some pump assemblies have the sending unit attached down on the pump, while this replacement has the unit attached to the cap. Is the on pump sending unit on older vans? You mentioned you left the pump in and replaced the sender, do newer vans have the same style as the amazon unit you found? I have a 2001, so hoping it's the same style as the amazon assembly and I don't have to pull the pump to remove the old sender. Thanks!

Sun Jun 29, 2025 5:33 am

I think this one fits 99 - 03 vans.

Mon Jun 30, 2025 9:15 am

Ok perfect, thanks. I'll get one on order and see if I can get this thing working again.