VW Crafter Stalling: Fuel Sensor Failure Alert

Had a similar issue with my 2011 VW Transporter 2.0 TDI. Being somewhat experienced with VW diesels, I first thought it was something major, but it turned out simpler than expected. The faulty sensor readings on my car dashboard were caused by a blown fuse connected to the fuel level sensor circuit. The symptoms matched yours exactly, check engine light, stalling at idle, and error codes pointing to sensor issues. The workshop found that the fuse was causing intermittent power supply to the level sensor system. Got it fixed at my regular workshop, total cost was 52€ including diagnostic and fuse replacement. Since then, no more sensor fault warnings or stalling problems. Before jumping to conclusions though, need some extra details about your Crafter: What specific error codes are you getting? Does the fuel gauge reading fluctuate? Have you noticed any other electrical issues? When was the last fuel filter change? These details would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced with the faulty sensor system. Also worth checking your fuse box first, might save you a workshop visit. The fuel system fuses are usually easy to access and inspect.

Thanks for sharing that experience. My Crafter had its last service at 135000KM and the issue started about 2 weeks ago. The error code is P0463 and yes, the fuel gauge reading keeps jumping between full and empty out of nowhere. The fuel system seems otherwise intact, no leaks or unusual noises. The only other electrical quirk is the car sensor warning light that occasionally flashes before the stalling occurs. Had the fuel filter changed during the last service, so that should be good. Your fuse suggestion makes sense, will check the fuse box first before booking a workshop appointment. The symptoms match up pretty closely with what you described. Just need to locate the right fuse for the fuel tank sensor circuit in the manual. Much rather it be a simple fuse issue than a complete sensor replacement.

Thanks for those details, definitely sounds similar to what I experienced with my VW. When my fuel gauge started showing those unusual jumps between full and empty, combined with that P0463 code, it really pointed to the electrical side rather than a complete sensor failure. The car sensor warning light flashing before stalling matches exactly what my Transporter was doing. In my case, once I found the correct fuse (F27 in my model), it was visibly damaged. Replacing that 10A fuse fixed both the erratic fuel gauge readings and the stalling issues. Quick tip from my experience: while checking the fuse box, might as well test the voltage at the faulty sensor connector. My mechanic explained that even with a good fuse, corroded connectors can cause similar symptoms. When they tested mine, the voltage was fluctuating due to that blown fuse. After fixing the fuse issue, all my dashboard warnings cleared up, including that annoying check engine light. If your symptoms are this similar, you might be looking at the same simple fix rather than a costly sensor replacement. Let us know what you find in the fuse box, could save others with similar fuel sensor problems from unnecessary repairs.

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. Just wanted to update this thread, you were absolutely right about checking the fuses first. Found F27 was indeed blown, showing signs of damage. Replaced the 10A fuse (8€ for a pack of spares) and the car electronics are now working perfectly. The fuel sensor is reading correctly, no more erratic jumps on the fuel gauge, and the car dashboard warnings have all cleared. Most importantly, no more stalling at idle. Really glad I checked the forums before heading to a workshop. The fuel system is working as it should now, and saved quite a bit by addressing this simple electrical issue myself. For anyone else getting the P0463 code with similar symptoms, definitely worth checking those fuses first. All sorted now, marking this thread as resolved. Thanks again for steering me in the right direction.