1996 Fuel Level Issue , Bad Mileage?

[kako0709]

Hello Fellas!

I know This has been beaten to death but i have searched and its mostly 99+ threads or threads that is left un-answered and also I am new to 4runners.

I have been getting terrible gas readings / Mileage

Im getting about 170-180 Miles till my gas light turns on
210-215 below E. Refilled clicked at 15.5 Gal.
I have read that the gas light turns on early as well
been running fuel injector cleaner for about 6 fill-ups as well.
noticed that after filling up to FULL and driving 15-20 Miles my gauge drops 3/4 all the time and just stays there.
100 Miles in is always on Half a Tank.
I have read the TSB for 99+ 4runners with the fuel fix but i assume that would not work for my 96
My questions are
1. is this NORMAL to you guys with 96-98 Runners?
2. is there a way to get this more accurate? Not Using Scan Gauge/Ultra Gauge
3. electrical issue? ie Cluster (Fuel Gauge) , Fuel Sending Unit

as to question no 3. i had a weird occurrence 3-4 weeks ago in a drive thru that my fuel gauge just suddenly dropped from full to empty and then slowly crawled back to Full. Never happened again though.

no other electrical malfunctions in my 4runner though.
no CEL.


if someone can point me to the right direction to address this issue that would be great.

some info of the 4runner:

Stock 1996 3.4L Auto Miles 205,000
Timing Belt / Water pump done
New Spark Plugs & Wires
Cleaned MAF
New Fuel Filter
New Intake Air Filter
Cleaned Throttle Body

 

[ridefast]

Have you changed your PCV out. When I bought my truck it was stuck closed and I was getting horrible mileage.

PCV wont solve the fuel level readings but it might be the culprit of bad mpg. My light turns on at 250ish and only takes about 14 gallons.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GJJNQB6?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01
http://www.amazon.com/Beck-Arnley-039-6428-Valve-Grommet/dp/B000CRVFYQ/ref=pd_bxgy_263_text_y

 

[kako0709]

Have you changed your PCV out. When I bought my truck it was stuck closed and I was getting horrible mileage.

This wont solve the fuel level readings. My light turns on at 250ish and only takes about 14 gallons.


Amazon.com: Genuine Toyota 12204-62010 PCV Valve Sub-Assembly: Automotive
Amazon.com: Beck Arnley 039-6428 PCV Valve Grommet: Automotive

Yes sorry forgot to mention that i have also changed my pcv when i changed plugs and wires. Thanks.

 

[OkiSurf1996]

Just for comparison, I have a 1996 3.4 and I run about 420km (260mi) on 15 gallons. The only things I've done are plugs and wires...haven't changed the air filter, or pcv in forever.

It sounds like a strange problem. Maybe pull a plug to inspect and see if the truck is running rich?

What plugs and wires did you use? If you didn't use the factory Denso plugs it can affect your mileage. When I did my plugs, I replaced with factory Denso and NGK wires.

 

[kako0709]

Just for comparison, I have a 1996 3.4 and I run about 420km (260mi) on 15 gallons. The only things I've done are plugs and wires...haven't changed the air filter, or pcv in forever.

It sounds like a strange problem. Maybe pull a plug to inspect and see if the truck is running rich?

What plugs and wires did you use? If you didn't use the factory Denso plugs it can affect your mileage. When I did my plugs, I replaced with factory Denso and NGK wires.

Most definitely a strange problem. Im leaning towards fuel sending unit, assuming contacts could be bad.
My 77 celica gets better fuel readings than this thing.

I only put ngk in all my cars

 

[kako0709]

Any help fellas? Will be going on a road trip soon and would like to address this just to make sure everything is A ok.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Very common issue. Mine does the exact same issue as does many others.

It's the sending gauge in the fuel tank. You have to drop the tank to get to it so I've decided it's not worth my time to fit it. There's nothing that will damage your truck, it's just annoying.

 

[kako0709]

Very common issue. Mine does the exact same issue as does many others.

It's the sending gauge in the fuel tank. You have to drop the tank to get to it so I've decided it's not worth my time to fit it. There's nothing that will damage your truck, it's just annoying.

Good to know im not the only one.

Thanks.

 

[HammerHead]

Did you ever fix this problem?

 

[Bstrom]

Just use your odo and reset one of the trip settings each time you fill up. Of course, if you are just getting 15mpg it wil empty faster than it should, but an average should be 250-280 before the light comes on.

Or, you can fill it up, run XXX miles, fill back up and check the gallons at the pump. Eventually you will know how far you can go for the amount of gas used.

If that drives you mad, fix the sender...

 

[HammerHead]

Well, I'm at the mad level, but was more curious about his mileage. In the last year I've gone from 300 per tank to 200. And that is after complete tune up, new ngk plugs, wires, coils, pic, fuel filter, everything Toyota or denso...etc. Always same gas and station except when on vacation.

 

[Bennythbeaver]

O2 sensors?

 

[HammerHead]

O2 sensors?

Those were replaced about 4 years ago, denso as well

 

[Jonrlara]

Just curious if you were ever able to fix the issue. I have the same problem and I would like to look into fixing it.

 

[AZ4Running]

My 97 3.4L auto 4x4 lifted and larger tires get 220-230 miles before the gas kight comes on. I get 14-17mpg streets and 18-20 highway via Scan Gauge. All maintenance up to date freah plugs and wires, timing belt, fuel system serviced. 274k miles with orignial o2 sensors and pcv.