Fuel Sender Issue

Hey All,

My fuel gauge is acting up. 2006 Prerunner 4.0 V6 with the auto trans.

After I fill up (when the gas pump clicks off I stop) I show a full tank.
After about 100 miles I still show a full tank. About 200 miles it shows about 3/4 tank. From there the gauge drops fairly evenly. When it's near empty it shows in the empty range. The low fuel warning light comes on when it should.
I'm thinking it's the fuel sender unit.
Is there a way to test it without removing the fuel tank?
Is it accessible if I remove or jack up the bed? I know it's part of the fuel pump which seems to work fine.

 

Yes, and you can do it in the truck.
Here is the resistance you are looking for.
Then see link below for location to test.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gas-gage-on-dash-shows-empty.729840/page-2#post-26003303

 

If it comes to replacing the sending unit, get 2 buddies to come help and take the bed off. It only takes a couple minutes to pull the tail lights, disconnect the wiring from the bed, etc and take the bed off. Iv done it this way and also done it by dropping the tank from under the truck and I always prefer pulling the bed. Plus it gives you good access to inspect your suspension and frame while you have it off

 

Does anyone have a photo of exactly which connector I need to hook my multimeter to? Going off this diagram from the link shown above.

 

That is the easiest way to replace it.
BUT…..themselves bolts are know to be really really tight and stuck.
There’s be multiple people have to grind flats and resort to a pipe wrench.
Or even weld a head to the bolt.

 

Pull the kick panel off the left side (drivers side)
2nd one up from the bottom.

 

Very true. If the bed bolts are seized, you may have to drop the tank. Get yourself a good torx bit socket if you go that route because iv seen cheap ones break

 

One thing to note. The tank shape effects the linearity of how the gauge reacts to the float. Mine operates more or less the same After fill up it takes a while for it to drop at all then it drops pretty consistently down to the last quarter tank...

But easy to check with the info provided by TnShooter!

 

Mine takes about 70 miles to fall off “Full”.
Then drops “faster” to 1/4 tank, then slows up at 1/4 tank.

Basically, from 3/4 to 1/4, mine falls “fast”.

New owners think they get “good mpg” at first.
Then it “drinks fuel”.

 

Is the sender part of the fuel pump or is it separate?

 

It can be bought separately.
But I’d do the pump too since you’re already in there.
https://parts.longotoyotaofprosper.com/oem-parts/toyota-sending-unit-8332004030?origin=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwbitBhDIARIsABfFYIKeLRFyLheVozqt3_KfP978eZCbZUmuzJNSk0DYOyaCXtNQGY2JvKEaAgWNEALw_wcB

 

On double cabs the fuel pump is under the cab so you still have to drop the tank to change it.

 

Ahh ok. I didnt even think about that.