Fuel gauge issue

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Fuel gauge will go to full but only comes down to just below 3/4 tank even when empty. Low tank light does go on at the right time. I replaced the fuel pump assembly which includes the float with a salvage yard one. It also went to full but also stopped around the same 3/4 point. I put in a salvage yard instrument cluster. It still does about the same thing. There is just a tiny bit of difference between both pumps and clusters. I unplugged the fuel pump and turned the key on and the gauge will still not go below 3/4. Is there another test, wiring issue or should I give up and buy the $170 float/sender unit or do I have 2 bad fuel gauge clusters? I am stumped.

bobbuddy in Whittier CA

Dec 7, 2014

2 Replies

Popular Answer

pushrodon Dec 7, 2014

Got to be a connection problem between tank sender and gauge!

bobbuddyon Dec 8, 2014

So a wiring issue? How do I check for continuity? Any ideas? Thank you

pushrodon Dec 8, 2014

Yes but a wiring schematic is really needed to trace the circuit up to the IP so continuity can be test at both ends. I would start by looking closely at the connection behind the instrument panel that feeds the printed circuit... Hard to help much over this d--n internet!.. Maybe try YouTube for a video.. Ya never know!

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YourCarSpecialistson Dec 8, 2014

This is not a common issue with Toyota's - My first question is does the vehicle have an aftermarket alarm or has any aftermarket item been installed in the vehicle like a radio etc. Many times I have found that when something aftermarket is installed it can cause problems.

bobbuddyon Dec 8, 2014

We bought the car used with 180,000 miles just about a year ago. Your shop replaced the air/fuel sensor when we first got it because of a check engine code and it has been running fine. It already had an aftermarket radio and alarm on it when we got it and the gas gauge worked fine for about 8 months. Mileage is now about 190,000. The gauge has gone down to about 1/2 tank recently but just a few times with the new cluster in it. I was told that if disconnected, the gauge should go to empty with the key turned on but it won't go below about 3/4 as of yesterday (it actually didn't move at all but has in the past from full to 3/4 but it was already at the 3/4 mark yesterday).

YourCarSpecialistson Dec 8, 2014

It is possible for an aftermarket part to fail or the connection to the vehicle to cause problems. If they were not careful how they routed the wires for instance. If they tapped into a wire that feeds the cluster and that aftermarket wire had been rubbing against a piece of metal for years it may have finally rubbed through and coused the cluted to get a ground it was not supposed to get, for example. If you need help we are here. Thanks

bobbuddyon Dec 8, 2014

Okay, thanks. Still deciding to proceed and have it fixed or live with it. I'll be in touch.

YourCarSpecialistson Dec 8, 2014

Good Luck

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