I got my 99 4Runner LTD from a fellow member here a couple of weeks ago. He had mentioned that the 99 model Toyotas had a common problem with the fuel tank sending unit not functioning properly when getting low on fuel.

Apparently when you get down to a 1/4 of a tank, the gauge will hang there for a long time. Then it will all of a sudden drop and the low fuel light will come on.

Is there a fix for the factory sending unit outside of just buying a new sending unit from Toyota for $90?

Thanks,
Doug

 

Doug, I think this is the fix you're looking for on the sender issue:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/3rd-gen-fuel-gauge-problem-i-think-i-figured-out-problem-pics-60260/

 

Thanks for the link MTL.

I think I'll just buy a sending unit for $90 from Toyota and then wait for a nice sunny spring day when I feel like pulling the tank out to change it.

 

Did you try the TSB quick fix first?

Electrical EL010-99 99 & 00 4Runner

Vehicle has to be sitting on a level surface with an inclination of +/- 0.5 degrees.

1.With the ignition switch in the Off position, press and hold the trip speedometer reset button.
2. Continue pressing the reset button while turning the ignition switch to the On position.
3. Within 5 seconds of turning the ignition switch On, release the trip switch, press trip switch 3 times and on the 3rd press, hold the switch for 5 seconds. The buzzer will sound for 1 second at 800HZ.
4. After the buzzer stops, release the trip switch.
5.Press the trip switch one more time and hold for 5 seconds. Once more the buzzer will sound for 1 second at 800HZ.

 

No I haven't tried that yet, but I will do that first.

 

I did the reset that MTL is talking about on my 2000 and it didn't help. I'm also waiting for a sunny day and some help to drop my tank and replace the sending unit.