Dodgy Fuel Gauge/tank Range Gauge

[Ice Gems]

Hi All,

Apologies for the long post, but I'm hoping someone can help me with my Auris 2.0 D4D as i'm at my wits end!

Back in June/July time my car suddenly started misfiring on a cold start, after misfiring there was a burning smell, which I could not find the cause of.

The issue suddenly stopped almost as quickly as it started and after taking it to 3 different garages (one specialising in ECU's) no cause was found.

Now, 2 months ago I noticed a significant drop, 40 odd miles or so, in my tank range, once filling the tank full. I should point out that since I bought the car (4 years ago), no matter my driving style or mileage done my car has always given me a range of 400 miles.

Now, today, after filling my tank up again it has given me a range of 291 miles!

My fuel gauge has also started to drop and then suddenly light up a bar 2 days later I.e on a Monday my tank would be half full, then on Wednesday 2/3's full and then on Friday half full again.

My actual MPG also seems to be lower.

The car went in for a Service with Toyota yesterday, who thought I was completely made when I asked them to look into the issue, their automatic response was "The weather is getting colder and it is a diesel"

However, they duly checked the tank sender unit and wiring and when I asked them if it could be something like an injector or the fuel pump they categorically said no.

No warning lights I have lit up on my car during this time and all of the garages I have spoken to say that it does not sound rough while running.

I might not be an expert on cars, but I know its not just the cold weather, there is something wrong, but no one seems to be able to tell me what!

Any Ideas???

Many Thanks

[superfast808]

I would definitely be pointing the finger of suspicion at the Sender, or the way the trip is interpreting the sender.

Someone on here may know for certain, though.

[Uncle Buck]

Hi Gemma, if the garage have checked and ruled out the sender unit I'm wondering if perhaps the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sender is a little dirty. This would affect the running of the engine, it's MPG and a corresponding drop in tank range. Have you checked that there's no white 'mayonnaise' under the oil filler cap too ? That would suggest a failing head gasket - but let's hope it's not that because it gets very expensive !

The MAF can be cleaned with electrical contact cleaner (usually a spray can) and a gentle wipe with a soft, clean cloth. It will most likely be accessed via the air box plastic tube by two little screws.

Hope that helps ! :)

[Ice Gems]

Hi,

Thank you for the replies.

I now have an update which might help in trying to diagnose this...

I checked my fuel receipt the other day and when I filled the car up I could only put in 40 litres (Trust me it was brimmed) so that means I still had 15 litres of fuel in the tank.

At that time my tank range was showing 30 miles till empty and my fuel gauge only had 2 bars lit up (usually that means I have about 70 miles or less range wise)

15 litres is roughly 3 gallons and that would give me around 90 - 115 miles to go.

It appears Im not losing MPG, my gauges just aren't accurately reflecting what's in the tank???

[Uncle Buck]

Hmmmm, others have mentioned a fuel gauge inaccuracy. I'm sure there was a thread on this not long ago.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Have a look at the following:-

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/163477-fuel-gauge-issues/?hl=%2Bfuel+%2Bgauge

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/161056-fuel-gauge-reset/?hl=%2Bfuel+%2Bgauge

[Ice Gems]

Problem Found!.....I think....

So I took the car back to Toyota and after re-checking the fuel sending unit, cleaning the EGR valve and checking the injectors, they have come to the conclusion that I need a 'modified combi dash'.

Apparently, they are aware that some Auris (Possibly other cars) have an issue with the on board computer calculating what fuel is left/mileage range is in the tank. This issue can occur at any time and Toyota have a service bulletin out about it.

They have told me it will cost £500 - £600 (Parts, labour and VAT included) to fix!

Given that it won't stop my car from running im tempted just to live with the issue for long as possible so I can save up the money to fix it, but I was wondering if anyone else on this forum has had the same issue and had Toyota fix it outside of warranty?

[Uncle Buck]

I hesitate to say this Gemma, but that price sounds highly inflated to me ......