possible fuel gauge issue

[bobble]

Hi all, I have read various threads on this forum regarding fuel guage issues, but not many seem to come to any real conclusions as to how to fix the issue, and the problem affecting my dads imported 2002 IS200 sport is a little different.

Now either (a) the fuel tank is literally only filling to the half way mark, and there is no issue with the fuel guage or, (b) the fuel guage showing in car is wrong, and shows the half way mark when full. So the tank is always half full and is just being filled back to th top each time.

Now the guage does go down normally from the halfway mark as soon as you start driving (there is no 150 mile wait or anything). This does not seem to be a filler issu like when the nozzle handle keeps clicking when trying to fill up.

Does this sound like a fuel sender unit issue? and if so what is involved in changing one does the tank have to come out? Or does it sound like something else.?

Apologies for the fairly lengthy first post :)

[rincewind]

One question - how many miles is he getting from a full tank?  If it's 300+ then the tank is filling correctly so it suggests the sender.  Or, in extreme, even the guage itself but I've never heard of one doing this in any car.

[bobble]

Hi rincewind thanks for the reply.

The problem is that my dad tends to fill up when guage is showing empty (but I suspect tank still half full) so we have not yet established this, of course other way would be to fill up completely then syphon it all out.

Whilst not having the same exact issues as others, a quick search did show up a number of fuel gauage problem related threads.. but as I said none seem to come to any conclusions.

If it is one of the 2 senders, how eas[y / difficult are they to change?

[rincewind]

Not too up on the senders bobble  - never had an issue.  They would be behind the rear boot lining though on the tank I would think.  Surely though if the tank is filled up and he's getting a ot of miles before the next fill, then the tank is fine. 

 

Interesting you tube post here.

 

Barry1 year ago

Hi there, if I remember correctly with engine off remove petrol cap and push on the tab inside filler neck that normally gets moved over by the fuel dispenser at petrol stations. Start the car and leave to run with the tab still pushed over to allow air out, it has something to do with the float sticking as the tank in the IS200 is in 2 halfs.

 

 

[rincewind]

And another

 

 

[bobble]

Wow thanks for the links mate. I will have to watch these in detail tonight. Hopefully will solve the problem!