Low fuel warning light always off (RAV4 2003 3-door)

[Peter Bryenton]

Hi.

I took the instrument panel out of my 2003 RAV4 3-door, thinking I'd replace a suspected blown bulb, because the amber warning lamp never illuminates. The rear of the assembly is just a fairly smooth, flat grey sheet with no obviously removeable bulb holders (see two photos attached).

1. Maybe it's a sealed unit?

2. Maybe there are PCB-mounted LEDs inside?

3. Maybe the physical sender unit in the fuel tank is faulty?

 

Advice gratefully received, thanks. I'm carrying a full 5 litre spare petrol can for now, just in case.

 

Peter 

[gjnorthall]

The parts diagram doesn’t show replaceable bulbs so it’s essentially a sealed unit. Digital dashboard companies would however, be able to repair whether it’s a bulb type issue or an electronic circuit board issue. The light is triggered by the feed to the gauge so provided the gauge works ok then it’s not the sender unit at fault and it would also suggest that the wiring and connections to the head are ok.

[Peter Bryenton]

Thanks for your helpful advice. I'll get the sender unit checked, then if that's working properly, I'll use a specialist instrument repairer.

Cheers

Peter