Fuel Gauge Dead?

[rdv123]

The fuel gauge on my 99 Avensis only reads empty, it dosen't even twitch when the ignition is turned on. However the low fuel warning light works normally. I assume its the gauge therefore and not the sender. Has anyone changed a fuel gauge, is it difficult to get out

[marama32]

Hi,

It may be either, but I think it will be the sender unit, as the low fuel light is activated by the switch reaching a certain level which I think is on a seperate micro switch, but I could be mistaken on that score. Perhaps someone else hopefully could shed some light if I'm right or not.

If it is the sender unit. it is not an extremely difficult job to do, but it may be for a novice. The tank needs to be almost empty first off & the fuel pump needs to be removed, before the sender unit can be replaced. If you are not mechanically minded, I would not contemplate attempting it.

If you think you can manage this, let me know & I will write it up when I can for you.

Cheers,

Marv

[cmia]

I am sure the guage is fixed to the speedo.

The old avensis had stick gages

Start the car and tap on the on the plastic sround,

does it move ?

[rdv123]

I am sure the guage is fixed to the speedo.

The old avensis had stick gages

Start the car and tap on the on the plastic sround,

does it move ?

Thanks, do you mean its one unit incorporating the speedo, it is a needle type gauge and I have tried tapping it to no avail.

[rdv123]

Hi,

It may be either, but I think it will be the sender unit, as the low fuel light is activated by the switch reaching a certain level which I think is on a seperate micro switch, but I could be mistaken on that score. Perhaps someone else hopefully could shed some light if I'm right or not.

If it is the sender unit. it is not an extremely difficult job to do, but it may be for a novice. The tank needs to be almost empty first off & the fuel pump needs to be removed, before the sender unit can be replaced. If you are not mechanically minded, I would not contemplate attempting it.

If you think you can manage this, let me know & I will write it up when I can for you.

Cheers,

Marv

Thanks, my first thought was the sender which I changed in our Golf without any problems. I removed the panel under the rear seat and the Avensis looks very similar. Its the fact that the low fuel light still works made me suspect the gauge. I think I need an auto electrician to tell me which unit has failed

[cmia]

Hi,

It may be either, but I think it will be the sender unit, as the low fuel light is activated by the switch reaching a certain level which I think is on a seperate micro switch, but I could be mistaken on that score. Perhaps someone else hopefully could shed some light if I'm right or not.

If it is the sender unit. it is not an extremely difficult job to do, but it may be for a novice. The tank needs to be almost empty first off & the fuel pump needs to be removed, before the sender unit can be replaced. If you are not mechanically minded, I would not contemplate attempting it.

If you think you can manage this, let me know & I will write it up when I can for you.

Cheers,

Marv

Thanks, my first thought was the sender which I changed in our Golf without any problems. I removed the panel under the rear seat and the Avensis looks very similar. Its the fact that the low fuel light still works made me suspect the gauge. I think I need an auto electrician to tell me which unit has failed

If it was your sender, then your light wont work.

Take the cluster out. and have a look at the PCB.

[gazza1286]

Mine had this problem just prior to buying it. The garage had to replace the complete instrument cluster form a salvaged car. Not had a problem since (three yrs)

[marama32]

Hi,

There are 2 on eBay at the minute. One at £32.40 & one at £30.50. Links for both below

£32.40 one below

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Toyota-Avensis-instr...=item27ab5c39bf

£30.50 one below

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Toyota-Avensis-dashb...=item2302aaca3a

Or you could try your local breakers for one.

Cheers,

Marv

[rdv123]

Hi,

There are 2 on Ebay at the minute. One at £32.40 & one at £30.50. Links for both below

£32.40 one below

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Toyota-Avensis-instr...=item27ab5c39bf

£30.50 one below

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Toyota-Avensis-dashb...=item2302aaca3a

Thanks guys, looks like gauges then

Or you could try your local breakers for one.

Cheers,

Marv

[cmia]

they for petrol cars...

[tspirit888]

they for petrol cars...

the needle sticks on the backplate on the cluster assembly but need to be careful

the perspex cover unclips

place a small piece of tape under the needle so you know where it goes back on

gently ease the needle off the guage

get a very hot needle or soldering iron and enlarge the hole around the needle spindle

it doesnt take very much

realign the needle with the tape and gently press back on /not too far

reconnect to the car andit should work like new

it was a common fault on the 97-00 model avensis,

hope this helps