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is cold weather a factor? 2 questions

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by seedless024, Dec 16, 2013.

  1. Dec 16, 2013 at 4:18 PM
    #1
    seedless024

    seedless024 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    its been below 32 most days lately in the salt lake valley.

    it seems when its this cold my gas gauge doesnt function properly. (works normal when its not as cold). if i have a full tank in it will randomly spike down to half tank then slowly come back up after a few minutes, if my tank is half empty it will spike upward. i havent noticed any other condition different when it acts up besides the cold, also im loosing mpgs

    next question.

    i bought rain guard window visors. with it being below freezing will the 3M tape stick as good to the paint? i imagine no but im not sure if its different because its "automotive grade"
     
  2. Dec 16, 2013 at 4:26 PM
    #2
    XXXX

    XXXX Well-Known Member

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    Don't stick the tape until it can cure (be warm).

    My gas gauge hasn't worked in a year. Ready empty all the time.
     
  3. Dec 16, 2013 at 5:13 PM
    #3
    seedless024

    seedless024 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    yea i was kinda thinking that with the tape, just figured id throw it in there with the other question.

    is gas gauge problems typical?
     
  4. Dec 16, 2013 at 5:24 PM
    #4
    oldracer

    oldracer Well-Known Member

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    On the visors: If you can get the truck, inside a warm garage, and leave it warm up, the 3m tape will work.

    The body shops, do it everyday; installing decals, and glue on parts. Double side 3m tape, is in the body shop's tool kit. Even in cold climes.
     
  5. Dec 16, 2013 at 5:27 PM
    #5
    toyotaman29

    toyotaman29 Well-Known Member

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    It sounds like the sending unit in your gas tank is going out, it has a float that goes down in the tank from the top, not to hard to change just drop the tank when it's about empty and remove some screws and wiring, I would check on the price they can be expensive from Toyota.
     
  6. Dec 16, 2013 at 5:27 PM
    #6
    seedless024

    seedless024 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    cool thanks
     
  7. Dec 16, 2013 at 6:35 PM
    #7
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    Can you still return the visors?

    I highly recommend in-channel visors.
     
  8. Dec 16, 2013 at 8:57 PM
    #8
    fast5speed

    fast5speed Well-Known Member

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    Yes, they can be very surprisingly expensive actually.

    Fuel sending units [generally] use a float and a wiper to create more or less electrical resistance to excite a sensor, and, in turn, your fuel gauge. Metals are involved in this process. The issue here is that electrical resistance in metals is affected by temperature. When it is hot, metals have more resistance and vise-versa.

    This is not to say that your fuel sending unit may not be needing replacement soon, but it does explain why it is affected by lower temperatures.
     
  9. Dec 17, 2013 at 6:01 PM
    #9
    seedless024

    seedless024 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    can you explain why?

    i had visors on my last tacoma and never had a problem until the accident totaling my truck, and the only problem was my passenger ripped it off while bracing for impact
     
  10. Dec 17, 2013 at 6:02 PM
    #10
    seedless024

    seedless024 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    informative... thank you! ill wait and see what happens and in the mean time price check it.
     
  11. Dec 17, 2013 at 6:11 PM
    #11
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    Here in Colorado where it's arid and brutal with UV, as well as very hot in summer and fairly cold in Winter... the adhesive just doesn't hold up well.

    And if something ever happens to the visor (eg break) it's a lot easier to replace an in-channel one versus removing all the adhesive, etc...
     
  12. Dec 17, 2013 at 6:22 PM
    #12
    Lumpskie

    Lumpskie Independent Thinker

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  13. Dec 17, 2013 at 8:17 PM
    #13
    Box Rocket

    Box Rocket Well-Known Member

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    I have a similar issue with my fuel gauge. I don't believe it has anything to do with the cold weather. From everything I have been able to find it is a problem with the sending unit in the tank.
     
  14. Dec 18, 2013 at 5:11 AM
    #14
    Archimedes

    Archimedes Demanufacturer

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    I had an 03 for a decade, until this summer when I traded for a new one. Back in PA I never noticed the fuel gauge jumping, but up here in VT for the last 7 years it was all over the place when it got cold. Like +15 to -28F (my record low so far). My GF's 02 Rav4 does the exact same thing, slumps low until we get 5 or 10 miles on it, also since she moved up here at the same time.

    Can't say that they were both bad units as they seem to function otherwise, and I don't think it was coincidence for both of us to have "declining units" that early in their work lives.

    The past couple nights were pretty cold too, -15 on one. My new ride had about 3/4 tank at the time, and when I started it read about 1/8th lower, then crept up to proper within about 4 miles. I'm not convinced all the units that you guys are seeing are bad, some may be. Just thinking it's what it is by current design. At least better to show too low than too high!

    Arc'
     
  15. Dec 18, 2013 at 8:50 AM
    #15
    fast5speed

    fast5speed Well-Known Member

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    It's a fact that a metal's resistance changes depending on temperature. There's no arguing that.

    That being said, it may also be a moisture issue. The OP specifically mentioned 32F. It could be possible that a drop of moisture accumulated on the sending unit as it cools when the truck shuts down. The moisture could then freeze and cause issues when the truck starts back up :notsure: That's just a guess though. There are also other factors involved. The density of gasoline is greatly affected by temperature. That's why gas stations have a big fat sticker on the pump that says "dispensed by volume not weight or energy provided" or something like that. On a hot summer day, your gallon is less than on a cold day.
     

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