Fuel Guage reads 1/4 of a tank off

[Joaco10SR5]

I have a problem with the fuel gauge on my 2010 SR5 that reads 1/4 of tank higher. About a month ago my wife calls to tell me that the truck will not start, it cranks but will not fire up. First thing I ask was if the truck had gas and she told me yes about 1/4 tank and also she told me that no warning lights came up or any CEL. Brought a 4 gallons gas can and pour it into the truck and the truck started no problem. Took it to the local auto parts to see if any codes were present and none were stored. Figured that it was an isolated incident and continue driving it as usual. Last week i wen to use the truck and again will not start, no low gas light or anything and the fuel gauge was reading 1/4 tank, again fill out with about 3 gallons and fire right up with no codes store on the ECU.
My question is there a calibration procedure for the gauge? Or need to replace the entire gas tank? Dealer told me that the float is not available for ordering; only the entire fuel tank that comes with everything in it and that was very expensive.
Any ideas???
:shrug::shrug:

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The entire fuel tank? Are you sure they didn't mean the Fuel Pump Assembly?

Part Number: 77020-60410 (Component 77020A in the illustration: https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/gen...rKjZ1cGYCX3l8BCZE$&vid=15379&cid=3&uid=240626 )

Unfortunately I can't seem to locate the part number for the fuel level sensor; used to be you could get them separate.

Edit-

It was under a different section it seems, not sure why Toyota does it this way... very frustrating.

Part Number: 83320-60620 "Gage Fuel Sender" (Component 83320 in the Illustration: https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/gen...rKjZ1cGYCX3l8BCZE$&vid=15379&cid=4&uid=295120 )

 

[Randyman...]

No chance it is a squirrely gague? I'd hate to see someone replace the sending unit (and associated labor) on a whim.

Does the "low fuel" dash light trigger from the gauge somehow - or is it tied directly to the sending unit (seeing that it does not light up either)? I'm not motivated enough to research myself right now

 

[1000MPH]

What about the range display? Is it wrong as well?

 

[Joaco10SR5]

No chance it is a squirrely gague? I'd hate to see someone replace the sending unit (and associated labor) on a whim.

Does the "low fuel" dash light trigger from the gauge somehow - or is it tied directly to the sending unit (seeing that it does not light up either)? I'm not motivated enough to research myself right now

The "low fuel" light never came on and the range on the dash still shows like it has fuel in accordenance with the guage at 1/4 full.

 

[Joaco10SR5]

The entire fuel tank? Are you sure they didn't mean the Fuel Pump Assembly?

Part Number: 77020-60410 (Component 77020A in the illustration: https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/gen...rKjZ1cGYCX3l8BCZE$&vid=15379&cid=3&uid=240626 )

Unfortunately I can't seem to locate the part number for the fuel level sensor; used to be you could get them separate.

Edit-

It was under a different section it seems, not sure why Toyota does it this way... very frustrating.

Part Number: 83320-60620 "Gage Fuel Sender" (Component 83320 in the Illustration: https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/gen...rKjZ1cGYCX3l8BCZE$&vid=15379&cid=4&uid=295120 )

Thanks for the info

 

[BlackWorksInc]

No chance it is a squirrely gague? I'd hate to see someone replace the sending unit (and associated labor) on a whim.

Does the "low fuel" dash light trigger from the gauge somehow - or is it tied directly to the sending unit (seeing that it does not light up either)? I'm not motivated enough to research myself right now

It's pretty straightforward, the fuel sender sends a signal to the combination meter which translates that into a reading. It's possible something is funky on the circuit, but I would expect it to be more inconsistent/intermittent if that were the issue.

I have seen them have issues before in the past on other Toyotas, it's a very simple float attached to a sweeping arm variable resistor.

 

[Joaco10SR5]

It's pretty straightforward, the fuel sender sends a signal to the combination meter which translates that into a reading. It's possible something is funky on the circuit, but I would expect it to be more inconsistent/intermittent if that were the issue.

I have seen them have issues before in the past on other Toyotas, it's a very simple float attached to a sweeping arm variable resistor.

Guess I will have to take a look at the float to see if anything has shifted on the tank or something else is preventing the float to go down.

Blackworks, any instructions to lower the tank will help if by any chance you have them or point me in the right direction.

See you are in Oregon; I was in Salem last week on a work related trip.

 

[Antman]

Guess I will have to take a look at the float to see if anything has shifted on the tank or something else is preventing the float to go down.

Blackworks, any instructions to lower the tank will help if by any chance you have them or point me in the right direction.

See you are in Oregon; I was in Salem last week on a work related trip.

Did you check underneath to see if your plastic fuel tank is pushed in anywhere? There have been other members that had that happen from big rocks off road- the early SR5's only had 1/2 tank skids.

If it's pushed in it could be holding that float higher than normal...

 

[Joaco10SR5]

Checked and the plastic tank doesn't looks dented anywere but the edge of the tank skid is dented and touching the tank a little bit. Maybe that hit moved the float so it can't go down all the way.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Checked and the plastic tank doesn't looks dented anywere but the edge of the tank skid is dented and touching the tank a little bit. Maybe that hit moved the float so it can't go down all the way.

It is possible. Does the needle rest on Zero and sweep correctly when you turn the vehicle on? If so, the needle motor in the dash is good.

 

[Randyman...]

It is possible. Does the needle rest on Zero and sweep correctly when you turn the vehicle on? If so, the needle motor in the dash is good.

Fantastic troubleshooting observation!

 

[Joaco10SR5]

It is possible. Does the needle rest on Zero and sweep correctly when you turn the vehicle on? If so, the needle motor in the dash is good.

Yes it does go to zero and sweep during start...

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Yes it does go to zero and sweep during start...

I'd focus on the fuel sender then as the most likely culprit, sounds like the combination meter is working as designed.

 

[philsey]

Meh, I'd just fill it when it's below half. Done and done.

 

[Joaco10SR5]

I'd focus on the fuel sender then as the most likely culprit, sounds like the combination meter is working as designed.

Thanks for the help, I will get the tank down later this month and check the float or replace it.

 

[SR52011]

Thanks for the help, I will get the tank down later this month and check the float or replace it.

I know this is an old post. But any update on what the issue was? My 2011 is doing the exact same. Ran out of gas twice lol.

 

[spartacus]

I know this is an old post. But any update on what the issue was? My 2011 is doing the exact same. Ran out of gas twice lol.

Try the 5th gen section for more feedback.

 

[Ezlife45]

If you know your vehicle and your driving habits, simply reset your trip meter with every tank. Gas up at 350 miles or whatever gets you a little better than 3/4 tank.