Fuel gauge problem--'99 SR5

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The fuel gauge on my '99, SR5 has started dropping to below empty and the low fuel light blinks. typical failure is that the gauge works on start-up with what appears to be a correct reading and this shuts down. But, every once in a while it will work normally.

Dealer says--gee it may be circuit board behind the dash, or the gauge or the sender in the fuel tank. I really do not like the drop it off and leave a blank check and we'll call you approach of the dealer.

I would like to not lose the odometer reading 271,000 when the board is replaced. And I would greatly prefer to fix the problem the first time around.

Any suggestions?

 

[repo]

The fuel gauge on my '99, SR5 has started dropping to below empty and the low fuel light blinks. typical failure is that the gauge works on start-up with what appears to be a correct reading and this shuts down. But, every once in a while it will work normally.

Dealer says--gee it may be circuit board behind the dash, or the gauge or the sender in the fuel tank. I really do not like the drop it off and leave a blank check and we'll call you approach of the dealer.

I would like to not lose the odometer reading 271,000 when the board is replaced. And I would greatly prefer to fix the problem the first time around.

Any suggestions?

http://www.toyotapart.com/FUEL_GAUGE_INACCURACY_T-EL010-00.pdf

Some 99s you just replace the suction bracket and tank gauge, some you do the circuit plate also. It costs about $400 installed for a new circuit plate programmed to your miles, and down time of them keeping your 4runner while they order it so you dont accrue any extra miles. About $170 in parts for gas tank stuff.

 

[DED&DED]

Thanks--I checked the VIN and I may get away with the gas tank repair only. I will get the garage I use to handle this because I have seen them do similar work on someone else's car and I will not be comfortable opening the gas tank myself.

Thanks again--super help!!