Fuel Gauge/CEL Issues

[traben27]

Hey guys,

So I'm loving the 3rd gen 4runner (99 limited), but it had some known issues that we've slowly been taking care of. One of these is the fuel gauge TSB, which the place we bought it from agreed to fix. Now, a month later, they've backed out with a bunch of excuses even though they only did part of it by replacing the fuel pump. They kept saying they couldn't get the part for behind the dash and blah blah blah. They gave me $350 bucks and basically said "good luck" and sent me off with 2 days before the temporary permit expires. It won't pass inspection because when you turn the key, the CEL doesn't come on at all. It will light up if you hit on the top of the dash, but then it just stays on. Is that related to the fuel gauge at all? It doesn't sound like it is. Any suggestions on what I should do now? I'm pretty much stuck on how to handle it.

Thanks.

oh and no we aren't going to fight them about it or anything, they agreed to pay any fines or any additional costs because it technically is their fault.

[Bob98SR5]

Traben,

If they promised to fix it, take it back. Was it a Toyota dealer? Did you take the $350 as acceptance that they could not/didn't want to fix it and your acceptance was the end of the issue?

[traben27]

No it wasn't a toyota dealer, it was a little used car place. They made up a bunch of excuses and we're kind of sick of dealing with them. We just took it as an acceptance of "okay we're done dealing with you because you're worthless" kind of thing. We ended up going next store to a different shop and they're working on it right now.

Turns out the CEL issue was because it wasn't plugged in completely, and now that it is in, its running an emissions code. The circuit plate is ordered for the gauges and should arrive Wednesday from Toyota.

I'm pretty much just sick of dealing with all of it, and I'd go by just the odometer but my dad who co-signed the loan thinks otherwise.

[MTL_4runner]

Turns out the CEL issue was because it wasn't plugged in completely, and now that it is in, its running an emissions code. The circuit plate is ordered for the gauges and should arrive Wednesday from Toyota.

Not surprised as it sounds like they were trying to pull a fast one by unplugging the CEL. Going back will probably do more damage than good so stick with the new shop. Like any used ride, you may have a few bugs to work out but 4runners are very solid vehicles once you get it back up to snuff.

Once you get the OBD code (numbers) from the shop, post it up and we can help you get the issue narrowed down pronto.

[traben27]

Alright, it's all done and good to go.

The CEL was on because whoever put the cats on put on one that didn't work. Obviously they just tried to make everything look right, even though there was an obvious problem. So that's been replaced, the CEL is working and off like it should be.

The circuit plate is on national backorder, so it's impossible to tell when it'll be in. What ended up happening is the mechanic was looking at the circuit for awhile and decided to see what he could do. He ended up soldering where he thought the short was and what do you know, it fixed it! So that was some good news, saved some money there.

It's just good to have it back finally and to see that everything is working perfectly. Thanks for the help!