Hello,

Just purchased a 99' SR5 with 140K on it. 4wd, 5 speed, V6, seems to run well. Couple questions for the pros: Gas gauge is all over the place. When you fill it up, it goes to completely empty and low fuel light flashes (apparently). I've heard the gas guages were slow to adjust but this one seems to be malfunctioning. Sending unit maybe?

Also, it has a button on the dash to lock the rear diff. Light comes on when I depress the button but when I hit it again the light remains on. Does this mean the diff is still locked? How can I tell it the diff. is truly "unlocked"? Also, I think I may have read if it has this feature it may come with a higher ratio rear end? Maybe a 4.3:1? I could be way off on this though.

Finally, truck didn't come with any key fobs. Do all 99' SR5's come with keyless entry? I'm hoping I can simply pick one up off Ebay or at the dealer and have it programmed.

Thank you for your help, I appreciate it!
Jason

 

Only has a key fob if it has a Toyota security system. Sounds like yours doesn't.

Diff lock will not always turn right off. As long as it turns off shortly after you start moving, you are ok. If it stays on constantly, you have an issue. Most common gear ratio is a 4.30, though generally thats in the autos. You, having a 5sp AND diff lock, may have the 4.10 ratio.

Sounds like you have a sending unit issue for your gas gauge.

 

The diff lock on my '98 Tacoma TRD worked this way.
1.) I'd press button and light would flash (engaging but not locked).
2.) Light would stay on, diff is locked.
3.) I'd press button again, after about a minute light would go out and diff was unlocked.

It always worked this way and on a couple of occassions the light just kept flashing and the diff wouldn't lock in, don't know why.
Hope this helps some.

 

The locker only engages when the sensor is aligned and the system feels its "safe" That way you aren't tearing up your locker by the locker motor trying to force the locking collar over.

 

adding on what deathcougar is saying..

sometimes my locker wont go on unless i move forward a litle bit than it will engage.

 

Alarm:
Check under drivers seat for black brain unit. That's where the factory fitted ones live.
Mine didn't come with fob either, but I picked one up from ebay(black not grey) for around 35 dollars.

 

Thanks for the heads up! Is it fairly common for most 99' SR5's to come standard with alarm, keyless entry? I would have thought so at least.

 

If your locker isn't engaging you can turn the wheel slightly so that one rear tire moves faster than the other. That can help things line up better in the axle. Have a friend who has to do an S-curve maneuver when his locker wouldn't engage right away.

 

also you have to be in 4lo to lock the locker unless you rewired it

 

Thanks for all the replys. This truck will be on-road 99.5% of the time, I'm more concerned with making sure it isn't locked. Is there a way to tell it's definitely NOT locked?

Thanks again!

 

one way to tell if its locked try and turn on dry pavment it will make all sorts of noise