Xsara water in fuel error

Hi there! That 'water in fuel' error on the Xsara can be tricky. Before assuming the worst, have you checked the wiring and plug connection going to the water sensor itself? A faulty connection there can often trigger the light and throw that code, even if there's no actual water in the fuel. Also, what's the mileage on your car?

Thanks for the reply! I haven't checked the wiring yet, to be honest - I'm not great with auto electrics. Where exactly is the water sensor located, and what should I be looking for when I check the wiring? The car has 202606 km on it.

Okay, with that mileage, a wiring issue becomes even more probable. The water sensor is usually screwed into the bottom of the fuel filter. Look for a two- or three-wire connector. Check for any corrosion, loose wires, or damage to the plug itself. Give the wires a gentle wiggle while the engine is running (carefully!) and see if the light flickers or the engine stumbles. Honestly, if you're not comfortable digging too deep, a quick visit to a workshop with good car diagnostics experience might save you some time and headache.

Thanks so much for the advice! I took it to a local shop, and you were spot on – it was a dodgy wire connection to the sensor! They fixed the cable and the plug connection, the check engine light is off now and they cleared the error memory. Cost me 95€, which wasn't too bad. I really appreciate the help!