Faulty fuel gauge

[luke666 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close luke666]

Hi there, I have a TD 01 and have been having problems with the main fuel gauge reading wrong all the time except for when i fuel up then once it gets to about 3/4 its stays there or goes down really fast and i just cant seem to get a proper reading. Im in berwick Vic. Was wanting to know if anyone knew who i could take it too near my area or anything i could do , I thought it was the sender unit so i replaced that and still no diff.?? Any help much appreciated.

[StormyKnight Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close StormyKnight]

It could be that the regulated voltage to the sender is drifting...
I haven't seen this nor can even confirm that it applies to the Prado, but my understanding is that a regulated voltage is applied to the sender so that a fixed volatge is returned relative to the fuel level. The normal 12Volt lines can't be used as they can vary from 11.6V up to 14.2V so this becomes unreliable.

If the regulated voltage is fluctuating it could be the issue. The trick will be to be able to measure it during your day to day driving.

My suggestion would then be an autoelectrician unless you have the means to investigate the issue further yourself.

Cheers
Richard

[jcas24 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close jcas24]

I have noticed mine playing up a bit lately. it was reading near empty, fuel light on, then next time I go to drive it, its reading 3/4 or full again.

[luke666 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close luke666]

thanks

Thanks Stormyknight i might have to goto the autoelec i think. Thats it jcas im haveing that problem its exactly doing that so not sure what else i could do beside seeing an autoelec

[jcas24 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close jcas24]

keep us posted eh. Mine isnt that much of a problem for me atm, as I tend to reset the trip metre at each fill. (and the missus drives it mostly, she wouldnt notice (shouldn't say that :lol: ))