'88 4Runner Fuel Gauge

[VTISC007]

Recentley, I have been having some trouble with the fuel gauge.
I fill the tank and it reads "Full". As I drive, everything is cool until I get to around 3/4 tank. At the point of 3/4 or so it starts to fall slowly until it finally reaches "Empty". The first time this happened I thought maybe I hit a rock or something that caused a leak, but no. I have resorted to using the Trip Meter. This doesn't sound like an easy fix.

Anything helps.

Thanks.

[VTISC007]

Is there any electronics involved with the fuel gage or is it a float with a wire on it?

[twisted99]

The float assy. is bad. I had the same problem in my 87 & 88. it would show full for about 100 miles then drop to empty. If you have the SR5 with the low fuel idiot light I belive it operates independent from the float.
Some can be changed easily fom inside the truck under passenger side seat look for an access to the fuel tank, beats draining & dropping the tank. Hope this helps.

[VTISC007]

I just got back from the Baja 500. I will look under the seat tomorrow. I hope it's easy, cuz I'm tired of doing so much work! Once I get the fuel gauge fixed, I will pretty much be done with all work needed. I have done a lot of maintenance on the truck, and now I just want to enjoy her.
It is the SR5, and it does exactly what you said.

Thanks

[VTISC007]

I found the access hatch. For once, it was pretty easy to get to. I didn't have to rip apart half the truck to get to. I'm just wonderding, what exactly do I need to buy. Do I just go to the dealer and ask for a float assembly or do I get individual parts that create the assembly. Around how much should this cost me?

Thanks

[twisted99]

The last one I replaced was 7 or 8 years ago (maybe $50-60). I purchased the entire float assy. from a Toyota dealer wholesale. Look for ads in the back of Car & Driver. I probably saved 30% vs. local dealer. Bought most factory Items this way. The one dealer name I remember was Browns Toyota (Maryland I think)

[VTISC007]

I just found out that I do have to drop the tank. You can only get to the fuel pump from the hatch under the back seat. The float assembly is located towards the rear of the tank (no hatch).
Thanks for all the info.....very helpful.