Fuel Gauge Issue

[ttora4runner]

For the past few weeks I've noticed a strange problem w/ my fuel gauge. I've been tracking my mileage and gallons of fuel that I've used. What is throwing me off is that I'll use between 5-7 gallons of fuel right at half a tank.

On a recent road trip (roughly 1600 miles) over Christmas I was able to confirm this. At one point the guage was reading a half a tank w/ only 5 gallons of fuel being used (this was the worse tank as well, at 11 mpg just on a side note), the typical was between 6-7 gallons being right at half a tank or just slightly under.

Tonight I did something I normally don't do and ran my fuel down to where the low fuel light comes on, which came on right before the F (thicker line on the gauge). Filled it up w/ about 13.5 gallons (so therocially I should have about 5 gallons of fuel left before running out, which I don't want to find out).

What could be causing the fuel gauge to be giving a faultly reading? Sending unit? Fuel pump? Is there away to test a little more actullay if the fuel gauge is give a off reading?

MAF Sensor, throttle body and pvc valve recently cleaned, spark plug and wires were changed before the trip, air filter is good. Running 265/75/16 with about 2" lift (ran a similar setup on my 96 4runner and got better milage/correct fuel reading even with a dented fuel tanhk), v6, 4x4, automatic.

Any help you all could give would be great.

[YotaFun]

You have a 99 now don't you?
Wasn't there a TSB or some sort of issue with the gas gauge for that year, that if you play with the trip OD it comes back to life in proper function?

I remember reading about it on TOF so that's why I mentioned it...

[randver]

my 99 has read empty at 13 since i have had it. never heard the OD trick will have to see if i can find it. the 99 have always had this problem and it was covered under the factor warranty. but most of them went bad after the warranty was up. and not worth the cost of getting it fixed. have always wondered if i can used the last 5 gallons but never tried.

[Bob98SR5]

TSB EL010-00

take a look at Lars' site: http://www.larsdennert.com/4runner/fuelsender/index.htm

[ttora4runner]

You have a 99 now don't you?
Wasn't there a TSB or some sort of issue with the gas gauge for that year, that if you play with the trip OD it comes back to life in proper function?

I remember reading about it on TOF so that's why I mentioned it...



Acutally I have an early 2000 according to code on the door.

[ttora4runner]

TSB EL010-00

take a look at Lars' site: http://www.larsdennert.com/4runner/fuelsender/index.htm




Thanks bob I'll look it over

[ttora4runner]

According to the vin numbers listed in TSB EL010-00 my 4runner doesn't fall under this TSB, despite it being manufactured in 10/99.

Went ahead and tried the recalbration fix shown in EL010-99. I'll fill her up in the morning and see if anything happens.

[traben27]

Opening this back up instead of starting a new thread...

My VIN falls under needing both the sender unit and the circuit plate replaced. I've got the first part done, but I haven't been able to find the circuit meter (83862-3d250) anywhere! Most places say "not available" as if it's backordered or something. Any ideas of where I could find one? Thanks.

[Marc P]

I am having the same issue with the 98 I just got. I am going to try the re-calibration tomorrow.

[troyboy162]

surprisingly its easy to live with so ive never fixed mine. on mine the gauge is worthless really. its really only good to tell me when i have just filled it. anything after that is a crap shoot. although the low fuel light is somewhat predictable
all i do is fill it often and use the trip odometer and try to fill before 220 miles. this hasnt failed me so i havnt gotten very scientific about it

[traben27]

surprisingly its easy to live with so ive never fixed mine. on mine the gauge is worthless really. its really only good to tell me when i have just filled it. anything after that is a crap shoot. although the low fuel light is somewhat predictable
all i do is fill it often and use the trip odometer and try to fill before 220 miles. this hasnt failed me so i havnt gotten very scientific about it


Yeah I know it'd be easy to just go by mileage, but the people we bought it from agreed to pay for fixing the fuel gauge problem, so I figured why not?

[Marc P]

I dont mind going by mileage, but I would like to know the real range.

[randver]

im lazy and go by when the fuel light goes on or mileage lol.