97 4 runner fuel gauge

Hey guys whats goin on?

Ive had my 97 limited now since april of 04, and this has been bothering me since Ive gotten the truck, my fuel gage flucuates alot, during hard exceleration, or going uphill the gauge will go move towards full by as much as an 1/8 of a tank, and the opposite when under hard braking or going downhill. It doesnt seem to be off by much, Ive let it get pretty empty and seems to take what would be a full tank, just hoping someone with the same year truck could let me know if it happens to them or if the tank float in my truck is bad?? Any input :2cents: would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Brian :eek7:

Your fuel sloshes back on hard exceleration and when going up a good hill and most will move gauge slower back and forth....yours just sounds like it is moving more freely and faster...as long as it reads right when driving normally or sitting still I wouldn't sweat it bud.

Weird, I always thought 4runner fuel guages were a lot slower moving than any of my other cars. Wish I could help.

Weird, I always thought 4runner fuel guages were a lot slower moving than any of my other cars. Wish I could help.


They usually are but as long as his reads right when driving normally or on a flat plane...but what the heck...fix it when you can't tell how much fuel you have

when I fill up my tank in my 97, the needle seems to go past the top line...I don't know if this is normal...is this also a problem for you?? I don't know if others have experienced this...I don't know many others with these beautiful trucks...this forum is amazing!!

Going past the top line is normal.

BCowley - You might have a bad gas tank where one or more of the baffles in the tank are broken or bent. The baffles are what prevent the gas from sloshing around freely.

Thanks for all the input guys, if it truely is a bad gas tank then I guess its something Im gonna get used to. :dogpile:

There was a TSB issued for this problem for 1996-1998 or 1999 4Runners. The gauge will read empty when there is in fact about 3 gallons of gas left. This prompts many people to fill up every 15 gallons or so when the truck has closer to an 18 gallon tank. In my '96 I appreciate it though since with oversized tires and a supercharger I get reduced mileage and the early warning helps me find a gas station in plenty of time. My 2002 4Runner gas gauge is more consistant and it also gets much better mileage because it is stock on street tires.