Installing an aftermarket FUEL GAUGE

C

cesarel

New member
Hello guys good day to all,

I just changed my fuel tank sensor, because the dash indicator was showing bad readings sometimes to the top and sometimes to the middle.

Anyway,

After reading its seems that this is a common problem in this model,

i want to install an external gauge, anybody knows if its an easy procedure?

Can you recommend me a simple but good gauge?

thanks everybody, will be waiting for your comments. Cheers!
 
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Not to overly express my opinions but why don't you just fix the OEM fuel gauge?


It is either the sender or the gauge.

Easy to get to on this truck - right under rear driver side passenger seat.
 
cesarel said:
240-33 ohms

Tks man!!!!
Click to expand...

Nope. OEM sender is .3 - 4.6 Ohm, it only works with the gauge in the instrument cluster.

If you already replaced the sender, doesn't it work now anyways??
You might need to do this:

1999 Toyota Truck 4 Runner SR5 4WD V6-3378cc 3.4L DOHC (5VZ-FE) MFI


Instruments - Fuel Gauge Calibration Procedure
ELECTRICAL
EL010-99
December 24, 1999
Title:
FUEL GAUGE HORIZONTAL CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
Models:
'99 & '00 4Runner
Introduction
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.
Applicable Vehicles
-
1999 and 2000 model year 4Runner.
Repair Procedure
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.
HINT: 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.
 
Socco said:
Nope. OEM sender is .3 - 4.6 Ohm, it only works with the gauge in the instrument cluster.

If you already replaced the sender, doesn't it work now anyways??
You might need to do this:

1999 Toyota Truck 4 Runner SR5 4WD V6-3378cc 3.4L DOHC (5VZ-FE) MFI


Instruments - Fuel Gauge Calibration Procedure
ELECTRICAL
EL010-99
December 24, 1999
Title:
FUEL GAUGE HORIZONTAL CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
Models:
'99 & '00 4Runner
Introduction
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.
Applicable Vehicles
-
1999 and 2000 model year 4Runner.
Repair Procedure
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.
HINT: 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.
Click to expand...

This is awesome info! Do you know if it matters how much gas is in the tank?
 
Socco said:
Nope. OEM sender is .3 - 4.6 Ohm, it only works with the gauge in the instrument cluster.

If you already replaced the sender, doesn't it work now anyways??
You might need to do this:

1999 Toyota Truck 4 Runner SR5 4WD V6-3378cc 3.4L DOHC (5VZ-FE) MFI


Instruments - Fuel Gauge Calibration Procedure
ELECTRICAL
EL010-99
December 24, 1999
Title:
FUEL GAUGE HORIZONTAL CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
Models:
'99 & '00 4Runner
Introduction
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.
Applicable Vehicles
-
1999 and 2000 model year 4Runner.
Repair Procedure
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.
HINT: 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.
Click to expand...

Will try with this procedure that's my last try, replacing the sending unit was a pain in the ass, else im goint go have to get the autometer reader and gauge.

THANKS again for this info man!
 
Even if you do change the gauge

your readings are still going to be off because of the sending unit not being in the bottom of the tank ie: reads empty but still have 4 gallons left in tank. i went the ultragauge route in order to get better reads on fuel levels.
 
jrm said:
your readings are still going to be off because of the sending unit not being in the bottom of the tank ie: reads empty but still have 4 gallons left in tank. i went the ultragauge route in order to get better reads on fuel levels.
Click to expand...

You mean if i still have gas on it? what if the tank is empty when i do the setting trick? what you think?
 
My gauge reads accurately in my 99 only if the AC is on, otherwise I can guess by using the trip odometer.

I don't know of anyone who has fixed this DIY, and to pay the dealer $1000+ for this repair to me is not worth it.
 
LittleCaesar said:
My gauge reads accurately in my 99 only if the AC is on, otherwise I can guess by using the trip odometer.

I don't know of anyone who has fixed this DIY, and to pay the dealer $1000+ for this repair to me is not worth it.
Click to expand...


omg it runs with AC on? jejej thats funny, well at least it works, mine is crazy all the time i changed the sender unit with an oem, but have the same problem, ill try with the switch calibration trick today, and see if it works. Will post the results here.
 
Yep, with the AC on, it reads correctly. Otherwise, no go.

If I was going on a hunch, 99% of the problem lies in the circuit board behind the gauge cluster. After all, at least for me, the sender in the fuel tank has to be working correctly when the AC is on, and even when it is not.

Good luck.
 
LittleCaesar said:
Yep, with the AC on, it reads correctly. Otherwise, no go.

If I was going on a hunch, 99% of the problem lies in the circuit board behind the gauge cluster. After all, at least for me, the sender in the fuel tank has to be working correctly when the AC is on, and even when it is not.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Yes i was reading that this stupid board is a big part of the problem thats why im considering changing the sender and gauge, but ill try one more time.

Either way who knows where can i get the other circuit board? im sure the company that sells toyota in my country doesnt even know about this issue.
 
cesarel said:
Yes i was reading that this stupid board is a big part of the problem thats why im considering changing the sender and gauge, but ill try one more time.
Click to expand...

For a whole lot less effort and money, you can just put something like a scangauge or an ultragauge on there and ignore the factory fuel gauge altogether.

Scangauge and Ultragauge, once properly calibrated, will measure your fuel use and average MPG. Since the gauge "knows" the size of your fuel tank (you set that when you first plug it in) and "knows" how much fuel you're using on average, it can give you a DTE (Distance To Empty) that is very accurate - much more accurate than the factory gauge, even when the factory gauge works.

I've never run my vehicle 100% empty but I've been using an Ultra Gauge for almost a year now and once it was calibrated I am amazed at how accurately it shows my fuel usage.
 
Martinjmpr said:
For a whole lot less effort and money, you can just put something like a scangauge or an ultragauge on there and ignore the factory fuel gauge altogether.

Scangauge and Ultragauge, once properly calibrated, will measure your fuel use and average MPG. Since the gauge "knows" the size of your fuel tank (you set that when you first plug it in) and "knows" how much fuel you're using on average, it can give you a DTE (Distance To Empty) that is very accurate - much more accurate than the factory gauge, even when the factory gauge works.

I've never run my vehicle 100% empty but I've been using an Ultra Gauge for almost a year now and once it was calibrated I am amazed at how accurately it shows my fuel usage.
Click to expand...

Intresting... im reading about it...

yours is like this one?
ultra gauge Review - YouTube
 
cesarel said:
Intresting... im reading about it...

yours is like this one?
ultra gauge Review - YouTube
Click to expand...

Yes - exactly the same.

Mine is mounted to the left side of the windshield, using the included suction cup mount:

2010_1027_191544AA.jpg~original
 
Martinjmpr said:
Yes - exactly the same.

Mine is mounted to the left side of the windshield, using the included suction cup mount:

2010_1027_191544AA.jpg~original
Click to expand...

Im getting it right now, to stop breaking my head with this oem krap...

Tks for your info man very helpfull ill spread the info, there are so many people with same problem.

Cheers!
 
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