Fuel Gauge

April 15, 2007

Hi

i have had the sticking fuel gauge prob for a few years now, u know bag the dash to get it to show how much fuel is in the tank. now the econ light has failed as well, i was thinking of taking it in to have them both fixed, has anyone done this? and if so how much did it cost? i think they have to remove a bit of plastic fron the back of the gauge to make it work, thx for any replies ....also has anyone done it them selves ? and how big a job is it? :thumbsup:

April 16, 2007

Hi
i have had the sticking fuel gauge prob for a few years now, u know bag the dash to get it to show how much fuel is in the tank. now the econ light has failed as well, i was thinking of taking it in to have them both fixed, has anyone done this? and if so how much did it cost? i think they have to remove a bit of plastic fron the back of the gauge to make it work, thx for any replies ....also has anyone done it them selves ? and how big a job is it?

Please note all these comments come from replacing the bulb in a 1998 GS Estate and may not apply to different models and years.

Sorry can't help with the fuel gauge problem.

The econ light just probably blew a bulb.

First these are strange size Toyota ones so you'll probably need to order one from the dealership at approx £2. If anyone knows an alternative I'd be grateful to hear from them.

Depending on how confident you feel you just need to take out the instrument panel and replace it.

From memory this is what I do.

Make a note of any stereo code you may need if you have one.

Disconnect the Battery.

Lower the steering to as low as it will go by using the adjuster lever to release it.

Undo the two screws you'll see in the upper edge of the instrument panel (phillips head).

Pull forward the plastic trim. It should come away with not too much force. If it doesn't seem to be coming off or things are getting in the way it's usually the steering wheel not low enough. You should NOT need to bend it too much, careful you don't snap it.

You now see three other screws holdin the instrument cluster in place. Undo and remove these beng careful not to drop the left hand one into the dashboard as it can be a fiddle to get out.

Pull the instrument cluster towards you .

There are two quick release clips behind it with levers on them. As you unlick it will spit out the connector so you don't need to dig too hard. Again not much force need here.

Remove the instrumen panel and look at the back. The ECON light should be one of the left hand side cluster, probably nearest you and on the bottom if you are looking from the back with the top up.

If you get stuck then remove a bulb and look at something bright through the hole. You should then easily see which bulb is which.

Put it all back together in reverse order.

Hope that helped.

April 16, 2007

Hi
i have had the sticking fuel gauge prob for a few years now, u know bag the dash to get it to show how much fuel is in the tank. now the econ light has failed as well, i was thinking of taking it in to have them both fixed, has anyone done this? and if so how much did it cost? i think they have to remove a bit of plastic fron the back of the gauge to make it work, thx for any replies ....also has anyone done it them selves ? and how big a job is it?
Please note all these comments come from replacing the bulb in a 1998 GS Estate and may not apply to different models and years.
Sorry can't help with the fuel gauge problem.
The econ light just probably blew a bulb.
First these are strange size Toyota ones so you'll probably need to order one from the dealership at approx £2. If anyone knows an alternative I'd be grateful to hear from them.
Depending on how confident you feel you just need to take out the instrument panel and replace it.
From memory this is what I do.
Make a note of any stereo code you may need if you have one.
Disconnect the Battery.
Lower the steering to as low as it will go by using the adjuster lever to release it.
Undo the two screws you'll see in the upper edge of the instrument panel (phillips head).
Pull forward the plastic trim. It should come away with not too much force. If it doesn't seem to be coming off or things are getting in the way it's usually the steering wheel not low enough. You should NOT need to bend it too much, careful you don't snap it.
You now see three other screws holdin the instrument cluster in place. Undo and remove these beng careful not to drop the left hand one into the dashboard as it can be a fiddle to get out.
Pull the instrument cluster towards you .
There are two quick release clips behind it with levers on them. As you unlick it will spit out the connector so you don't need to dig too hard. Again not much force need here.
Remove the instrumen panel and look at the back. The ECON light should be one of the left hand side cluster, probably nearest you and on the bottom if you are looking from the back with the top up.
If you get stuck then remove a bulb and look at something bright through the hole. You should then easily see which bulb is which.
Put it all back together in reverse order.
Hope that helped.

Thx i may try it myself as my local dealer pentagon in rotherham quoted me 100.00 to do the fuel guage and the bulb, does anyone know what they do to fix the fuel gauge i think it means cutting away a piece of plastic but not sure. thx again for the reply