I have a 2001 4runner with the same problems that it seems the 1999-2000 models have. For the longest time, the gauge would go to empty and the fuel level warning light would light up occasionally when I let the tank go below 1/4 tank. Recently, the gauge died alltogether with the gauge reading empty and the warning light lit. Sometimes it will register 1/2 to 1/4 tank when I start up in the morning, but will rapidly decrease until it bottoms out.
Fast forward to today. I discussed it with my mechanic and he said that it was probably the sender unit. The sender unit on the 2001 and 2002 is different than that of the 99-00 so I thought the problem had been solved on the 01's. He replaced the sending unit and the same problem still exists. When I start it, the gauge needle will rise 1/8 inch from the bottom but still register Empty and the Fuel level warning light is lit. He checked the connections and wires from the tank to the cluster and everything looks ok. The new sending unit is registering a resistance that is on track for what fuel he put back into it.
He performed the resistance test on the gauge and one connection read in spec and the second was 20 ohm low (140 instead of 160ohm). He also performed the test where you hook up a 3.4W bulb in the gauge connector and it didn't go to full as it should have and the bulb was barely it. I only was putting out 4V.
He suspects the gauge but some questions we have before we replace it is there a relation between the dead gauge and the fuel pump warning light? IE, if the gauge is dead, will it cause the warning light to illuminate? or is that a giveaway that the combination plate/gauge circuit board is suspect?
The fuel sender unit goes through the combination plate at the back of the gauge cluster before it goes to the gauge. Is there a way to test it to see if it's the problem?
Has anyone with an 01-02 4runner had the same problems and how did you fix it? Thanks!
Fast forward to today. I discussed it with my mechanic and he said that it was probably the sender unit. The sender unit on the 2001 and 2002 is different than that of the 99-00 so I thought the problem had been solved on the 01's. He replaced the sending unit and the same problem still exists. When I start it, the gauge needle will rise 1/8 inch from the bottom but still register Empty and the Fuel level warning light is lit. He checked the connections and wires from the tank to the cluster and everything looks ok. The new sending unit is registering a resistance that is on track for what fuel he put back into it.
He performed the resistance test on the gauge and one connection read in spec and the second was 20 ohm low (140 instead of 160ohm). He also performed the test where you hook up a 3.4W bulb in the gauge connector and it didn't go to full as it should have and the bulb was barely it. I only was putting out 4V.
He suspects the gauge but some questions we have before we replace it is there a relation between the dead gauge and the fuel pump warning light? IE, if the gauge is dead, will it cause the warning light to illuminate? or is that a giveaway that the combination plate/gauge circuit board is suspect?
The fuel sender unit goes through the combination plate at the back of the gauge cluster before it goes to the gauge. Is there a way to test it to see if it's the problem?
Has anyone with an 01-02 4runner had the same problems and how did you fix it? Thanks!
