My fuel gauge just went out this weekend on my 99 4runner. I read some other post on here about this issue, but was wondering if anyone has tried fixing it themselves and if that is possible? As a grad student there is no way I can afford the $760 the dealership quoted me. Appreciate any info you guys can provide. Kevin

 

Please elaborate on "went out."

 

Its got gas but the gauge only shows empty.

 

Does the gas light blink too? If so I have this same problem. I posted a couple of days ago about this buy no one responded so I am going to be paying attention to this thread. By the way this is happening to my 99 runner.

 

Yeah, the light blinks at me non-stop, did you get any info masterwacker?

 

I am having the same problem on my 98 runner. When the tank is full, the light stays on and does not blink. Once it goes below half tank, blinking starts. I filled up the tank when the gauge points to empty and only took 13 gallons to fill up.

I have done what others have suggested on here and that is ignored it and just keep track of my mileage at every fillup. It would be nice to fine a fix for this though.

kev

 

There is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) regarding the Fuel Gauge problem I belived it is TSB EL010 you can do a search and find plenty info regarding this problem... and what some guys had done to correct it...

It is basically a problem with the fuel sending unit in the fuel tank that has gone bad... It would be advisable to have it replace to resolve your problem with the fuel gauge inaccuracy... here are the part numbers & prices

Fuel Sender Gauge Assembly (83320-35590) $72.65
Fuel Suction Tube Assembly (77203-35461) $86.68
Gasket, Fuel Suction Tube Set (77169-60010) $9.15

Some have actually got the service replacment done for free--depending on the dealership and if your truck was still under warranty...

 

I just bought a 99 a few weeks ago. Last week, the gauge read empty so I filled it up. Yesterday, It was reading aprox. 5/8 full, when I ran out of gas and just barely made it off the highway and to a gas station. I'm ticked. Does anyone know of a write up on how to replace those parts?

Thanks in advance,
DG

 

I feel your pain dgold, I've searched the site and have not gotten any clear answers other than there is a problem, toyota is aware, and unless your under warrenty(and who with a '99 or '00 still is?) you have to deal with it so I'm not sure what to say but I'm still hoping someone who's had this problem and fixed it themselves will chime in with a write up or something.

 

I had problems with my 2000 Runner fuel gauge from the start. I had the sending unit replaced and the gauge cluster replaced. It made no difference. I would fill up the tank, drive 12 miles and the gauge would read 1/2 full.

I finally recalibrated it myself by parking on a hill and making it think it was more full. I have run out of gas twice over the years all while on long distance trips. The gauge would read almost empty then run out just after the light came on. Other times it would be perfectly accurate.

This weekend though I was pulling a heavy trailer with a headwind and ran out at 220 miles (on the tank). The gauge read 1/2 full. I turned off the key and turned it back on and it read empty!

I am really mad that my dealer never fixed this...it is obviously a manufacturers defect and Toyota better fix it or else! This is a safety issue and someone could get stranded in the boonies or worse!

Also why do I have to pay to get the TSB's. They sould have to mail these out just like recalls!

 

TSB EL-010 (replacement) and TSB EL-010-99 (calibration) are needed.

Toyota dealers must allow you to view the TSB book, but you may have to pay (bastards) to get printouts.

Otherwise look here:

Writeup

TSB EL-010 Scanned

TSB EL010-99 rewrite

 

dgold if you bought it from a dealer recently then should it still be covered ounder some waranty. If you bought it from a private person then no luck I guess.

Unhappy - how is the clutch without the return spring working. Any issues? (sorry for slight hijack)

 

/hijack on

No problems at all, just a slightly stiffer clutch pedal

And, of course, NO SQUEAKING!!!

hijack off/

 

thanks
hijack off/

Kind of amazing Toyota get away with this TSB "it is an issue but not a safety issue" and therefor no recall.

 

I encourage you to fill out a NHTSA complaint