Fuel Gauge stuck on 1/4 post fill-up

[flybooey]

I've read a few threads with some experiencing 1/4 over full or stopping at 1/4 as the gauge drops.
2012 SR5 60k miles, no damage to fuel tank below.

My gauge was on "E" and the DTE was 0 miles. Filled it until it stopped which was 20gal.
When I got back in the DTE said 30miles and the gauge was just below 1/4 tank.
I beat on the cluster and on the dash above (didn't fix it) for the shear fact that I can see the impending fuel tank drop as I'm assuming that the issue may be with the sending unit.?

As i drove around the gauge moved a tad and as it did the DTE adjusted accordingly. When i parked at home the gauge was now at full and the DTE was appropriate. This was well over an hour span.

Has anyone experienced these symptoms? or have thoughts on the culprit? I plan to fix the issue hopefully with help from the members here if possible. I can't trust it now.
I did reset my trip meter to keep track of the miles to identify any discrepancy as the needle drops..... and to keep from stranding my wife or I.
Jesus she would be super pissed.

tks folks

 

[Sparman]

Did you have the ignition completely off during fill-up or was the engine off but dash still active?

I wonder if dash being active while the tank is filled plays a factor.

Completely off then on after fill-up may "reboot" things, maybe.

 

[rigtec]

"I've read a few threads with some experiencing 1/4 over full or stopping at 1/4 as the gauge drops.
2012 SR5 60k miles, no damage to fuel tank below.

My gauge was on "E" and the DTE was 0 miles. Filled it until it stopped which was 20gal.
When I got back in the DTE said 30miles and the gauge was just below 1/4 tank..."

Hi flybooey,

Before you do anything, try this... disconnect your truck's NEG battery cable for a minimum of four hours when the truck is not in use. This is a 'Main body ECU master RESET'. It's purpose is to delete all temporary files and history logs that cause the ECU to freeze-up, much like a widows laptop needs to be re-booted to do the same/re-organize the files and delete the temp files!

Please let us know the result of this regarding the problem! 'Best to you'

rig

 

[flybooey]

Did you have the ignition completely off during fill-up or was the engine off but dash still active?

I wonder if dash being active while the tank is filled plays a factor.

Completely off then on after fill-up may "reboot" things, maybe.

Ignition was off and keys were out of the ignition.
I tried cycling it while I was at the station but there was no change, I even tried sloshing the full around in multiple ways.
Went to home depot where it was off for about 20 min and the gauge was slowly making moves upward but not where i could see the needle move really.

tks

 

[flybooey]

I'm down with that Rigtec and I will update with the results.
If that proves not to correct the problem I wonder if the culprit is likely the sending unit. 83320-60620 (56.17$)

I'll shut the power off tonight
tks a lot

Dave

Hi flybooey,

Before you do anything, try this... disconnect your truck's NEG battery cable for a minimum of four hours when the truck is not in use. This is a 'Main body ECU master RESET'. It's purpose is to delete all temporary files and history logs that cause the ECU to freeze-up, much like a widows laptop needs to be re-booted to do the same/re-organize the files and delete the temp files!

Please let us know the result of this regarding the problem! 'Best to you'

rig

 

[rigtec]

I'm down with that Rigtec and I will update with the results.
If that proves not to correct the problem I wonder if the culprit is likely the sending unit. 83320-60620 (56.17$)

I'll shut the power off tonight
tks a lot

Dave

Anything's possible Dave, but I wish you the best no matter what, Cheers,

rig

 

[flybooey]

disconnected the power for about 2hrs this am, i had to move it for my wife so I'll do the 4hr shutdown later today.
Gauge is still sitting at full and DTE corresponding to the gauge. I'll have to keep an eye on the DTE, fuel gauge and trip meter to see how they match up.

Anything's possible Dave, but I wish you the best no matter what, Cheers,

rig

 

[rigtec]

Hi Dave (flybooey),

I know a lot of our members here on forum may be thinking: "Why does he always seem to recommend the Main body ECU master reset"; I must have seen him advise that way one hundred times!

A very good question: Well, that's because the operational hardware in the newer cars/trucks isn't analog as it once was in the cars of yestar year! For example, on (The OP) Dave's 4R, the mechanical fuel sending unit is not wired directly to the gas gauge in the instrument cluster... it's wired to the main body ECU (a software driven processor)... there it gets processed (converted to a DIGITAL signal) and sent to the software driven instrument cluster (also digital) to operate it. So almost everything is run that way in today's vehicles!

This is exactly why I'm hell bent on directing the trouble-shooting aspect of the analysation process with a "first things first" approach; cause the mechanical parts come (later) after that!

Hope this explanation will help other members with their own newer vehicle trouble-shooting approach! 'Best to you',

rig

 

[flybooey]

So the gauge is sitting just around an 1/8 below full and my DTE is 400 miles!....so that's not right. (wouldn't be nice though)

I don't really think that I've given your 4+ hr period an honest go.....so tonight I'll be pulling the neg terminal for an overnight trial.

Hi Dave (flybooey),

I know a lot of our members here on forum may be thinking: "Why does he always seem to recommend the Main body ECU master reset"; I must have seen him advise that way one hundred times!

A very good question: Well, that's because the operational hardware in the newer cars/trucks isn't analog as it once was in the cars of yestar year! For example, on (The OP) Dave's 4R, the mechanical fuel sending unit is not wired directly to the gas gauge in the instrument cluster... it's wired to the main body ECU (a software driven processor)... then it gets processed and sent to the software driven instrument cluster to operate it. So almost everything is run that way in today's vehicles!

This is exactly why I'm hell bent on directing the trouble-shooting aspect of the analysation process with a "first things first" approach; cause the mechanical parts come (later) after that!

Hope this explanation will help other members with their own newer vehicle trouble-shooting approach! 'Best to you',

rig

 

[Soneill]

I'm down with that Rigtec and I will update with the results.
If that proves not to correct the problem I wonder if the culprit is likely the sending unit. 83320-60620 (56.17$)

I'll shut the power off tonight
tks a lot

Dave

I am going to lean twards the level sending unit. I have another thread that describes similar issues im having. Basically i have run outta gas twice now. Once with the guage reading around 1/8 and 35 miles, then next a little under 1/8 and 26 miles to go. Many members here say they ride on E and 0 miles amd can still get to the gas station. I already have the sending unit and as soon as I burn off this tank ill be dropping it and replacing the sending unit. Kinda sucks because you have to get at it from inside the truck and still drop the tank but it is what it is i guess.

 

[rigtec]

So the gauge is sitting just around an 1/8 below full and my DTE is 400 miles!....so that's not right. (wouldn't be nice though)

I don't really think that I've given your 4+ hr period an honest go.....so tonight I'll be pulling the neg terminal for an overnight trial.

You'll know if you reset the 'MB ECU' correctly because the compass will need circle recalibration (hence a blinking dot in front the Direction indicator symbol), and your Radio presets will all need resetting.

rig, cheers

 

[flybooey]

It was unhooked for about 12hrs Rig.
Oddly the radio stations were still in the system whereas when I unhooked it for about 2 hrs the stations were gone.
Anyway.....the gauge is sitting about 6/8th's and the DTE is showing 298 miles. I'm going to run this tank out and see how things end up.

You'll know if you reset the 'MB ECU' correctly because the compass will need circle recalibration (hence a blinking dot in front the Direction indicator symbol), and your Radio presets will all need resetting.

rig, cheers

 

[rigtec]

It was unhooked for about 12hrs Rig.
Oddly the radio stations were still in the system whereas when I unhooked it for about 2 hrs the stations were gone.
Anyway.....the gauge is sitting about 6/8th's and the DTE is showing 298 miles. I'm going to run this tank out and see how things end up.

I have a feeling that you'll be okay now because the gas gauge is in operation based on what you're reporting! BTW: what year is your 4Runner and what trim level? Keep me posted!

rig, cheers

 

[Speedracer]

Probably the float got stuck or is starting to go out.

My STi does that from time to time. it started after long e85 use.

 

[flybooey]

I'm definitely hoping we're on the mend.
Mine is a 2012 SR5 with the tech and leather package only, no offroad goodies.

tks for your interest thus far

Dave

I have a feeling that you'll be okay now because the gas gauge is in operation based on what you're reporting! BTW: what year is your 4Runner and what trim level? Keep me posted!

rig, cheers

 

[flybooey]

Do you recall if this was the part number?
83320-60620 (56.17$)
and did you choose to get a new wiring harness> i think its 15$ or so.
Gas is so messy man....

I am going to lean twards the level sending unit. I have another thread that describes similar issues im having. Basically i have run outta gas twice now. Once with the guage reading around 1/8 and 35 miles, then next a little under 1/8 and 26 miles to go. Many members here say they ride on E and 0 miles amd can still get to the gas station. I already have the sending unit and as soon as I burn off this tank ill be dropping it and replacing the sending unit. Kinda sucks because you have to get at it from inside the truck and still drop the tank but it is what it is i guess.

 

[Soneill]

Do you recall if this was the part number?
83320-60620 (56.17$)
and did you choose to get a new wiring harness> i think its 15$ or so.
Gas is so messy man....

Yes that is the correct part number. I did not get the harness. Its not necessary unless the original is broken. Gas does suck to work around but some rubber gloves and patience you should stay relatively dry.

 

[Soneill]

I've read a few threads with some experiencing 1/4 over full or stopping at 1/4 as the gauge drops.
2012 SR5 60k miles, no damage to fuel tank below.

My gauge was on "E" and the DTE was 0 miles. Filled it until it stopped which was 20gal.
When I got back in the DTE said 30miles and the gauge was just below 1/4 tank.
I beat on the cluster and on the dash above (didn't fix it) for the shear fact that I can see the impending fuel tank drop as I'm assuming that the issue may be with the sending unit.?

As i drove around the gauge moved a tad and as it did the DTE adjusted accordingly. When i parked at home the gauge was now at full and the DTE was appropriate. This was well over an hour span.

Has anyone experienced these symptoms? or have thoughts on the culprit? I plan to fix the issue hopefully with help from the members here if possible. I can't trust it now.
I did reset my trip meter to keep track of the miles to identify any discrepancy as the needle drops..... and to keep from stranding my wife or I.
Jesus she would be super pissed.

tks folks

Just wanted to update you. I changed my fuel level sender today and mine was 13% off.

 

[flybooey]

13% seems like a fair amount to be out.....
I just filled mine up last night until it clicked off, 20gal in and the DTE said I have 375 miles!

Ill be replacing mine i guess. There must be some sort of setup procedure for installing a new float, No? To correlate float position relative to the gauge?

 

[Soneill]

13% seems like a fair amount to be out.....
I just filled mine up last night until it clicked off, 20gal in and the DTE said I have 375 miles!

Ill be replacing mine i guess. There must be some sort of setup procedure for installing a new float, No? To correlate float position relative to the gauge?

Way more than you expect. Once i installed the new sensor the fuel guage went almost to E. Never seen it get that low even when i ran outta gas. Once i filled the tank the DTE said 420, never seen that either. The most ibwould go to was 285. My estimated MPG is staedly on the climb as well. It always stayed around 13.9 now after i reset it its up 14.5 in less than 50 miles.
There wasnt any setup i could find except for the 3rd and 4th gens.