Fuel Guage Problem

[DavidAlexander]

So this has actually been going on for about 2 years straight.

One day I got in my car and noticed the fuel guage was about 1/4 when I thought I left it at 1/2. So I drove until the light came on as usual and it only took 13.5 gallons and the needle only went to a little over 3/4 full.

I reset the trip odometer and drove until the light was on. This time around 200 miles and again around 13.5 gallons of gas. This went on a few times and I decided to drive it to what it used to go between fill ups. (around 280 miles)

So the light will come on at around 200 miles each time and Ill drive it until around 260 miles with the light on before getting gas. Then I can fill it up with around 17 gallons like I used to.

So that's my problem. The guage only registers about 13.5 gallons of fuel (3/4) even though the tank is full. So my light comes on when my tank is 1/4 full. I don't mind filling it early or keeping track of the mileage but I am concerned for off roading, where that info is important, although it hasn't been a problem yet. kow

What do you guys think it is? Thanks

 

[cameo87]

I may be wrong, but I believe this is a known issue, and I think there may have even been a TSB issued about it. Can someone confirm?

 

[2000t4rAKS]

Yup, these 3rd gens are notorious for fuel gauge issues. My light comes on around 250-ish miles on the odometer but I can go at least another 30 to 40 miles before I fill up. Even then, I put in about 15 gal. There is a TSB for it for I have never bothered to go through with it. From what others have described, the light comes on when you have about 4 gal. left instead of coming on at 2 gal left like it is suppose to. It has something to do with some sensor that you have to replace, I think.

 

[DavidAlexander]

Thanks, ill start looking for some info.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

The best thing is to just learn your guage since even when it indicates E most of us still only fill up with 15-16 gallons.

Mine comes on at a tad over 200 miles indicated and I usually drive another 40 or more before I fill up.

 

[2000t4rAKS]

Here are some info:

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/3rd-gen-fuel-gauge-problem-i-think-i-figured-out-problem-pics-60260/


http://www.yotatech.com/f2/tsb-el010-fuel-gauge-problems-23175/


http://www.yotatech.com/f2/out-gas-1-2-tank-99-ltd-129963/


Hope this helps.

 

[2000t4rAKS]

Ron,

How often do you fill up....every 5 to 6 days or once every 7 days? Thanks.

 

[DavidAlexander]

Thanks for all the info. This is a Problem Toyota needs to deal with. I don't mind keeping track but it could be a real problem in some circumstances.

Does anyone know if the recalibration works on the 96-98 too? Or just the 99-00. I was just wondering before I try it.

Thanks again and looks like If I ever replace my tank, a new sending unit will have to go in also.