95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

Fuel Gauge Problem

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Old Jul 1, 2007 | 09:03 AM
  #1  
4runamok's Avatar
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From: SoCal
Fuel Gauge Problem

The gauge is completely wrong ALL the time. And sometimes it will just instantly drop way below E, and the Low Fuel Warning light will FLASH.

This is still happening after replacing the fuel level sending unit AND fuel tank. The dealer assured me that the tank was the problem because I'd dented it while offroading, and this also damaged the sending unit. They wanted $900 to fix the problem. Thanks Bob Smith Toyota!

After buying a perfectly straight tank AND skid plate at the scrap yard for $150 and replacing it myself, as well as a $100 replacement sending unit, it still drops below E and flashes the warning light, although not as often, and even with the new sending unit, it still will not show the correct fuel level.

The old sending unit looks just like the one pictured above, the new one I'm told is the new version, shorter arm, different mounting height, but the float sat even with the old one in the "empty" position while mounting it.

I have performed the TSB Fuel Gauge Recalibration. Though I'm curious when to perform the recalibration? Right after filling up? or right before running out of gas?

I've performed the recalibration 3 times now, and I still does not show correctly.

It was showing needle above F when I was able to fit 8 gallons into the tank, suggesting that the tank was actually only half full.

Any ideas?

(Some might have seen this on another forum)
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 07:25 AM
  #2  
sharrack's Avatar
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What about the gauge itself ???
If I remember correctly.........on some Vin numbers the sending unit is the problem and on others it's the gauge??
K>S>
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Old Jul 4, 2007 | 12:25 AM
  #3  
4runamok's Avatar
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From: SoCal
I have not check the gauge itself, it appears to get signal just fine.

Others have said to drop the tank again, check the breather line and the actual operation of the sensor itself.

I still don't understand proper use of the recalibration, and when to do the recalibration (i.e. at empty, at fuel). The only way I know I'm full is when I've just filled it up, and the only way I know I'm empty is I'm on the side of the road, out of gas. Because the gauge is of no use! LOL
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Old Jul 4, 2007 | 04:59 AM
  #4  
Godzilla's Avatar
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From: Vancouver
Well just keep watch on the tripmeter and youll get an idea of how many miles you get to the tank when you fill up. Go by this and not the gauge. As stated some need only one or the other, however some need both the fuel sender and the circuit board. Check the link http://pages.sbcglobal.net/larsdenne...Inaccurate.htm to see which ones you need by the vin
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