gas gauge issues and calibration

[Full_Throttle]

Hi all,

I am having fuel gauge issues. I have been searching the forums and came across service bulletin TSB EL010-90, which explains the procedure to calibrate the fuel gauge. The only problem is that I can't actually find the .pdf, so I only have what others have posted in threads. What is not clear to me is; When the calibration is done, are you supposed to have a full tank, empty tank, somewhere in-between, or does it matter?

My problem started immediately after adding some wiring for aftermarket off-road lights. I used an "add-a-fuse" plug to tap off of an empty fuse slot under the dash to a switch in the dash then to a relay that is fused off of the battery to turn on the lights. The ONLY thing I did was to run a new wire through the firewall and up to a relay. I didn't cut any wires, I just used an empty fuse slot to access keyed power....it shouldn't have affected anything, but is sure SEEMS like it has...I am not much of a believer in coincidence...The gauge worked fine, I was under the dash, now it doesn't work fine.

Funny thing is, I haven't finished hooking up the relay. Lights aren't hooked up yet. I have a wire that runs to a relay and that's it....

Opinions are welcome

 

[A.Wilson013]

Hi all,

I am having fuel gauge issues. I have been searching the forums and came across service bulletin TSB EL010-90, which explains the procedure to calibrate the fuel gauge. The only problem is that I can't actually find the .pdf, so I only have what others have posted in threads. What is not clear to me is; When the calibration is done, are you supposed to have a full tank, empty tank, somewhere in-between, or does it matter?

My problem started immediately after adding some wiring for aftermarket off-road lights. I used an "add-a-fuse" plug to tap off of an empty fuse slot under the dash to a switch in the dash then to a relay that is fused off of the battery to turn on the lights. The ONLY thing I did was to run a new wire through the firewall and up to a relay. I didn't cut any wires, I just used an empty fuse slot to access keyed power....it shouldn't have affected anything, but is sure SEEMS like it has...I am not much of a believer in coincidence...The gauge worked fine, I was under the dash, now it doesn't work fine.

Funny thing is, I haven't finished hooking up the relay. Lights aren't hooked up yet. I have a wire that runs to a relay and that's it....

Opinions are welcome

In regards to the amount of fuel- it doesn't matter. I did mine with a full tank, just because.

 

[TheDurk]

I have the .pdf of the TSB. If anybody really wants it, PM me an e-mail address. This is a direct cut and paste of the text:

When replacing the meter circuit plate (or) inclination sensor, you must perform the
following calibration procedure to ensure proper operation of the Fuel Gauge. This
procedure supplements the diagnostic steps for the combination meter. Reference the
Repair Manual pages BE–38 through BE–54.
�� 1999 and 2000 model year 4Runner.
1. After replacing the meter circuit plate or inclination sensor, move the vehicle to a level
location. (A surface with an inclination no greater than ±0.5° is the target flatness.)
2. With the ignition switch in the “OFF” position, press and hold the trip reset button.
3. Continue pressing the trip reset button while turning the ignition switch to the “ON”
position.
4. Within 5 seconds of turning the ignition switch “ON”, release the trip switch, press the
trip switch 3 times, and on the third press hold the switch for 5 seconds. The buzzer
will sound for 1 second at 800 HZ.
5. After the buzzer stops, release the trip switch.
6. Press the trip switch one more time and hold for 5 seconds. Once more, the buzzer
will sound for 1 second at 800 HZ.
7. The calibration process is completed.
NOTE:
If in the operation of step 6, the buzzer sounds higher than that of step 5, turn the
ignition switch to “OFF” position and repeat the setting procedure from step 2.

That's it. I agree it doesn't matter how much gas is in there. What you are doing, I believe, is telling the 4Runner that it is level so that some built in incline correction is zero'd correctly. You are not calibrating the tank sender.

 

[jrm]

The TSB

requires replacing the tank sending unit for one with a longer pick up tube AND the re-calibration. I called the dealer and the parts alone were around $100. I just went and bought a ultragauge instead.

 

[Full_Throttle]

what really frosts my bum :moon: is that it was working fine until I was under the dash running wires. What in the world could I have done to cause this? I installed car stereo's professionally in the 80's and 90's so I am no stranger to dash wiring, and I am always careful, but this is frustrating. I guess I will have to go through the troubleshooting steps to see if it is the gauge, or sending unit.

 

[Nunyabiz]

I would just get a Ultra Gauge and forget about it.

 

[Full_Throttle]

I would just get a Ultra Gauge and forget about it.

I already have a scangaugeII....but that's not the point. I will fix this, I don't like having non-functioning "stuff", plus it is a flashing light...that just won't do!:nono: