Fuel gauge stuck

The fuel gauge suddenly stuck at 1/3 full. Filled tank but no change. How can I diagnose the issue? 2004 Pre-Runner, 3.4L, crew cab

 

Almost certainly going to be the sending unit inside the fuel tank (part of fuel pump assembly).

Mine used to act strange, and it would randomly drop really quickly (like in 5 seconds) to empty, then return to where I expected it to be. Never bothered to diagnose, just kept track of mileage to guestimate how much fuel I had. Oddly it hasn't done that in over a year (works fine now), and I never bothered to fix anything.

 

/thread

 

Thanks. Are you aware of any videos that might help with the replacement?

 

Timmy the toolman on you tube should have something on replacing a fuel pump for a 4 runner which will largely be the same process as your Tacoma.

Replacing the fuel pump isn't hard, but you will need to either drop the tank, remove the bed, or cut a hole in the bed (if that's your style).

Given the year of your truck, it's also a really good idea to replace the evap system vacuum lines or anything else in that area while you're down there.

 

Thanks. Replacing the other stuff is a good idea.

 

just where does the truck live?

If you see Winter Chemicals you might want to think about broken bolts and fuel lines etc.

On the double cab removing the bed does not really help the fuel pump will still be under the cab.

That lesson was not fun.

The resistor on the sending unit at times breaks and no longer is accurate .

Replacing the sender is the easy fix.

People have rewound the resistor but it is a very long tedious process .

Might want to drive and get the tank as empty as possible.

Best of Luck!

 

I have an unusual idea, but first I agree with above repairs. I found that the is a chemical in Chevron Techron that cleans the level contacts on the fuel guage. I relayed this to my neighbor, who had a similar problem, and it worked. Give it a try. At least it would help clean injectors.

 

This truck has lived in DFW & Houston all of its life.

 

That could work if the resistor had a build up from the strange additives .

It never hurts to try the cheap and easy first.

 

Yeah, I’ve used Chevron Techroline in the past. Not sure if they still market it by itself but I think they still put it in their gas.

 

Crawl under there and gently bang on the bottom of the tank with a rubber mallet - it probably won't fix it, but it might - and is quick and free.

 

@50Buck

Oh how memories fade

 

If I do drop the tank, does the electrical connection have an access panel in the cab?

 

I keep forgetting the simple things I tend to think those were all tried already.

Habit from when you did not have anyone to ask.

 

I still think everyone should post all the links to the write ups on his videos.

 

My high energy days are behind me - if I can bang on the tank and the gauge works for the next few months it was worth crawling under the truck.

That said, if it didn't work I probably would just write down the miles when I filled it and keep track that way - pulling the tank is a lot of work...

 

We are not that petty on here












Ok, maybe we are

 

Yes indeed that has worked good across several vehicles till fuel was stolen out of the truck by other drivers .

Using the Advance Money to Party and not buy fuel.

 

6:00am

6:01

6:02

6:03

6:04

6:15