Fuel gauge: works but shows lower than real??

[PetzK]

Hi,

I tried a search because back in the days there were lots of questions about the AE86 fuel gauge, but I couldnt find anything...

Here's the deal: when I fill up to top, my fuel gauge will only go up to 3/4, I know that it takes time to go up, but it wont go past 3/4 of the scale...

Then it goes down and when the gauge shows empty, I fill up like 30 liters, and the warning light doesn't come on....

The car has been fully rebuilt and therefore been sitting for the last 4 years, I cant remember that the gauge wasnt working before, is it the sender that is shot? Or is the gauge itself shot? or might there be a resistance at some connection causing the gauge to show lower than it should?

Thanks a lot
Patrick

[Dorito86]

Same problem here. Can anybody help?

[banpei]

Mine will go all the way up, but after driven 50 kilometers it is already at 3/4th and slowly going to 1/2 within another 50 kilometers. After that it stays there till I've driven another 200 kilometers and then going down again. Really confusing...

[SekiguchiUeno]

exact the same problem in my coupe. tank shows empty i fill it with cca 30 liters, until the cap. and the gauge shows 3/4.after pair of km of driving it shows 1/2.

[Euripides]

The part inside the tank must be replaced!
If you leave your car for a long time with half tank filled, seems that something "rusts" inside the tank level meter and is not sliding well.
Usually here is the problem.

[alimonos]

How many liters are our tanks by the way?

[Jesse P]

LOL!

I've got 2 86's with the same problem!

[mr monster]

same prob but i pay mine no attention cause if im short on money and on E i can still drive

[Jezza_hr]

I think its a common problem amongst Toyota's. My brothers SW20 has a similar issue but not quite as drastic. It just slows down when he gets to half a tank. I always fill up at quarter of a tank myself so im not concerned by it.

[PetzK]

@Euripides: I had my fuel tank open to replace the fuel pump bracket, and the tank is shiny as new inside, not a single spot of rust.... I didnt check the level sensor arm mechanism tho... does anyone know if I can take the whole thing out without dropping the tank? (FYI: fuel pump cannot)

Thx!