Fuel level sensor failure - Can I change it myself?

[rjash10]

Can anyone help me? Recently my 2001 Camry SE began to display incorrect fuel level data. The onboard computer which calculates range is also giving incorrect output. I have taken to tracking each time I put fuel in the car and averaging the mileage. The range should be about 400 miles, (22 mpg avg on an 18.5 gal tank). After filling the tank the gauge goes to full and stays there for 80-100 miles. It then drops to 1/4 tank level on the fuel guage, and after a few more miles the low fuel level light comes on. The range on the computer also reads out incorrectly, showingI have 0-40 miles until the tnak is empty when there is more than 1/2 to 3/4 of a tnak of fuel left.

Is this indiciative of a tank fuel level sensor failure?

If so, where is it located?

Is it an easy replacement? Do I need to drop the tank to do it?

If the sensor needs to be replaced, can anyone give me the basic steps to do it as we as any special tools or instructions requirede?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[dc_98_cam]

Have you inspected your wiring that goes to the fuel tank ... under the car?
Could there be a problem due to road salt corrosion?
A fuel sensor problem on and '01 doesn't sound very probable ...
How many miles on your vehicle?
Might even be a loose or faulty ground wire someplace.

[youngflashycamr]

SEAFOAM!!!!!!!! then if that dont work the fuel sending unit

[rjash10]

Thanks for the advice. I have not looked at the wiring yet under the car - planning to do it this weekend.

I am assuming I can find the sending unit near or on the fuel tank itself?

[rjash10]

Forgot to add the car has ~ 48,000 miles on it.

[youngflashycamr]

sending unit is in the tank....holds the pump in place...

[rjash10]

Do I need to drop the tank to get to it? I didn't get to it this weekend - (had to work both days.)

[Eye8Pussies]

you take the pump out the top- just remove your rear seat

[drcamry94]

im having same problem with my camry 94 I4 .. fuel gauge goes up and down last time light was on so i put 20$ gas around 20L here in canada. i drove 90km then the low fuel light went on.. i really dont understand and that freaks me out. any one can guide me what should i do to repair this prob?

thanks

[JohnGD]

register on autozone.com and use their free repair guide. You need to rule out the instrument panel before going into the fuel tank.

Read up on fuel precautions, etc etc. As suggested, SeaFoam first, if didn't fix it probably need a new fuel level sender unit (plus pump gasket, clips, etc). Check with your local dealer.

Originally Posted by drcamry94

im having same problem with my camry 94 I4 .. fuel gauge goes up and down last time light was on so i put 20$ gas around 20L here in canada. i drove 90km then the low fuel light went on.. i really dont understand and that freaks me out. any one can guide me what should i do to repair this prob?

thanks

[1996camry]

if you put $20 on gas, then the fuel light came on..

Your problem is the float boat inside the gas tank that connect to sensor unit might or the sensor unit bad. you have to remove the gas tank to verify the problem.. Don't forget to test before you install back the tank.

if you're not familiar to do this problem, have someone do for you.. the float gate that connect to sensor unit to tell if your gas low or full is bad.

the unit is inside the gas tank.

[haux]

Originally Posted by 1996camry

if you put $20 on gas, then the fuel light came on..

Your problem is the float boat inside the gas tank that connect to sensor unit might or the sensor unit bad. you have to remove the gas tank to verify the problem.. Don't forget to test before you install back the tank.

if you're not familiar to do this problem, have someone do for you.. the float gate that connect to sensor unit to tell if your gas low or full is bad.

the unit is inside the gas tank.

Gen3 Camry's don't have the same easy fuel pump removal as the Gen4's?

[drcamry94]

its snowing here incanada ill do it this summer because i dont have a garage ill carry a tank of gas in the car..
by the way whats the capacity of the 94 2.2 camry is it 70Litres of gas..

[drcamry94]

is there another way to check my gas level without my fuel gauge in dash..

[mpmiller37]

I will soon be posting pics of how to replace the fuel sender gauge on a 97 camry. I pulled the module out this past weekend to take some pics. This gauge (oem) runs from $100 - $130 depending on where you get it. I was having a problem with fuel readings. After pulling it out and cleaning it (specifically the contact area), it now works.