Petrol Gauge

[GWilso]

Hi,

I've noticed the petrol gauge on my IS200 seems to be stuck on half has anyone else had this problem and is it easy and cheap to fix,

Its not the neddle itself as that comes up/down on engine start up as normal possibley the floater in the petrol tank itself?

As much as I like to believe I have a permanent half tank of petrol guess I better get it fixed

Cheers Guys

[trinilex]

HEY!, mines get stuck on 'E' sometimes, then pop up after a few miles. Dont know about half way though...

maybe it will fix itself....... :D

trinilex..............

[eXOBeX]

I don't know how easy it is to access the fuel sender on an IS (on my Corolla it was under the back seat), but it might be worth unbolting it and just moving the arm up and down in case it's stuck. Don't turn the ignition key with the sender out though - petrol fumes in cabin + spark in ignition barrel = kaboom! Don't take it out with the ignition on, either, in case something live touches the tank (kaboom again!)

Make sure the tank's not too full before unbolting the sender, of course!

[Mike from SA]

I don't know if you had success in sorting this out, but I have a few ideas. I removed my fuel pump from inside the tank this past weekend to change the fuel filter. The level sensor ( floater ) is attached on an arm on the side of the fuel pump.

To remove the fuel pump remove the bottom cushion of the back bench. This is a 1 minute job. It has 4 clips that unclip easily when you exert some minor force. Now remove the cover that exposes the fuel tank door. ( Do this process only when your vehicle is low on fuel. ) Unclip the fuel pipe and diconnect the electrical connection. Remove the 8 bolts that hold the fuel pump assembly cover in place. ( you need a number 8 socket to do this ). The entire fuel pump assembly now slides out. You will see this arm and float on the side. I did find when inserting the fuel pump assembly into the tank it is possible to get the inlet pipe to obstruct the floater. This may be your problem.

Good Luck ...

Mike

[davepruce]

Might be an idea to disconnect the Battery BEFORE you start this, as (presumably) the tank will be open and fumes will be about - the less fuel you have - the more fumes will be around - and they ignite FAR easier than petrol!!

Just my 2p

[Mike from SA]

You are absolutely right Dave. Good Idea. This is not a job that includes smoke breaks or electrical experiments.

[Rob]

to prevent the needle getting stuck on E take your time when turning the ignition key - stop when all the warning lights come on, just wait a few secs and the needle wil pop up to the normal reading - then start the car.

if you start it too quick then the needle stays at E for anything from a few mins to a few hours.