Fuel Guage problem

[wholman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close wholman]

2004 Prado V6

My Fuel guage has a problem in that it never shows over half way. It behaves in a normal fashion exept it moves far past the empty mark and when it changes tanks moves back to half way. I first noticed problems when I wnt very low on fuel one time but is has become worse ... is it the sender unit or can someone point me in the right direction.

[Offroader Member Find all posts View Profile Close Offroader]

Re: Fuel Guage problem

Could be the sender unit as this is more prone to failure due to its location and function in the tank. Not sure if the gauge is controlled by microprocessor or is wired up straight to the sender. Probably best to have a Toyota tech troubleshoot this one.

[Masphar Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Masphar]

Re: Fuel Guage problem

Im also having a few issues with the Fuel Sensor (i think) in my '06 GXL. It has the setup with 2x 90L tanks, and on the first tank it appears to be getting really good mileage and has about 500-550kms at half full, then you blink and its flicked itself over to the second tank... Then when the second tank is nearing empty and the fuel light does come on, I fill her up she only takes about 160L - so about 30L still left. This may be normal but it just seems a bit excessive (a third of a tank) compared to previous cars I have had. At the current calculated economy of 14.9L/100km thats enough fuel for another 200km - Not that I would actually want to risk pushing that out of it...

Anyone else have similar problems? Worst case scenario I will get Toyota to take a look at it when it is in for service next...

Cheers

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

Re: Fuel Guage problem

15L to spare in each tank sounds about right.

I filled my 90 up the other day when both fuel gauges where sitting on the empty line and there was still close to 60L between them.

Cheers,
Declan.

[Hutch Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hutch]

Re: Fuel Guage problem

Im also having a few issues with the Fuel Sensor (i think) in my '06 GXL. It has the setup with 2x 90L tanks, and on the first tank it appears to be getting really good mileage and has about 500-550kms at half full, then you blink and its flicked itself over to the second tank... Then when the second tank is nearing empty and the fuel light does come on, I fill her up she only takes about 160L - so about 30L still left. This may be normal but it just seems a bit excessive (a third of a tank) compared to previous cars I have had. At the current calculated economy of 14.9L/100km thats enough fuel for another 200km - Not that I would actually want to risk pushing that out of it...

Anyone else have similar problems? Worst case scenario I will get Toyota to take a look at it when it is in for service next...

Cheers

Everything you explained is normal, the second tank actually syphons across to the first tank so when u switch over it is never 50/50, 14.9 for a petrol is probably normal, i have in last 10 months avergaed 15.6, however my car is lifted etc.
I have done up to 100 klms with the light on and still only put in 170 odd litres so don't waste your time or money as it all seems normal.
PS u have a 180 litre tank not 190 ( i fill her up she only takes about 160L - so about 30L still left.)

[Masphar Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Masphar]

Re: Fuel Guage problem

Everything you explained is normal, the second tank actually syphons across to the first tank so when u switch over it is never 50/50, 14.9 for a petrol is probably normal, i have in last 10 months avergaed 15.6, however my car is lifted etc.
I have done up to 100 klms with the light on and still only put in 170 odd litres so don't waste your time or money as it all seems normal.
PS u have a 180 litre tank not 190 ( i fill her up she only takes about 160L - so about 30L still left.)

Oops.. my bad on that one. Must have been a bit tired when I calculated that tough sum in my head (90+90) heh... :shock:

I dont think its normal that the 'first tank' reads half full and then all of a sudden reads empty and flicks over to the 'second tank' ... unless i dont understand the way it is supposed to work... nevertheless,that being said I do agree that it is probably not worth the time and money spent to fix it... since i now know the car will easily do over 1000kms between stops I will just keep an eye on the trip meter instead.

It is already about 50mm from stock so im quite happy with the 14.9 l/100 im currently getting with about 70% city driving. Will see how it goes on the open road with a nice little trip to Nyabing (about 650km round trip) next weekend...

[stevensr34 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close stevensr34]

Re: Fuel Guage problem

I dont think its normal that the 'first tank' reads half full and then all of a sudden reads empty and flicks over to the 'second tank' ... unless i dont understand the way it is supposed to work...

It is exactly correct:

What is happening is - when both tanks are full, the gauge reads the TOTAL amount of fuel in the car.
When it gets down to half full (one 90 litre tank almost empty) then it switches to full again, with the 90L light on, indicating it is now reading just the fullness of the second tank...