Surf fuel gauge issue - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

astrodoberman · 10-15-2010, 07:28 PM

Ok this is more out of curiosity than anything. I have a '96 Hilux Surf SSRX Turbo diesel, i parked it up about a month ago and removed the batteries.
When I parked it the fuel guage reading was on E, now, one month later the reading (without batteries) is a little over 1/4 full.

Now call me crazy, but is this a normal state of affairs with this series Toyota fuel gauges and how one earth do they read with no power?

sntckr · 10-15-2010, 07:34 PM

What does it show when you connect the batter and turn the key to accessory (on)?

astrodoberman · 10-15-2010, 09:58 PM

It reads the same. However, the red warning light flashed continuously for the last couple of miles before reaching home, so one of the signals is not right and being a diesel it means trouble if it runs dry.

astrodoberman · 10-16-2010, 05:19 PM

So I took the Surf for a short run and now i really am intrigued, the fuel gauge needle has fallen back to empty. Does anyone know how the gauge works, is it pressure based?
Just wondering if there was a build up of presure in the tank after sitting for so long.