Alfa Romeo Repair: Alfa 156 fuel gauge, fuel gauge, alfa 156

Question
UK spec Alfa 156 2.5 v6, year 2000:-  Problem with fluctuating fuel gauge - would either remain on zero for a while from cold or would go to zero while driving and then revert to correct reading after 5 mins or so. Local Alfa dealer replaced fuel pump and fuel gauge (over £500!) which seemed to cure the problem. Problem has now recurred except that the gauge remains on zero. Any thoughts before I go back to the dealer? Many thanks.

Answer
This is a typical problem when crimp connections are not properly terminated.  The plugs need to be disassembled and poor connections at the crimp on the wires corrected.  Also, make sure the ground connections are also good.

Unplugging and replugging will make a temporary fix.The crimps  themselves are the real problem.