FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Toyota/Highlander/Third Generation (2014-2019)/my Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019) fuel gauge is inaccurate, what's wrong

my Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019) fuel gauge is inaccurate, what's wrong

Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
3 min read
491 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix an inaccurate fuel gauge in a 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Component
Fuel System
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Allow the engine to cool and ensure the vehicle is in a well-ventilated area to avoid fuel vapors.

Symptoms

  • •Fuel gauge reading fluctuates unexpectedly
  • •Check engine light illuminated
  • •Fuel warning light activates intermittently
  • •Vehicle runs out of fuel unexpectedly
  • •Difficulty in determining actual fuel level
  • •Fuel gauge remains stuck at empty or full

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Scan the vehicle's OBD-II system for error codes related to the fuel system.
  2. 2Inspect the fuel sender unit and wiring for signs of damage or corrosion.
  3. 3Check the fuel tank for any physical obstructions or damage.
  4. 4Test the fuel gauge using a multimeter to check for proper operation.
  5. 5Verify the fuel level sensor's resistance with a multimeter while moving the float.
  6. 6Inspect the vehicle's fuse box for any blown fuses associated with the fuel gauge.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather necessary tools and parts.
  • Disconnect the vehicle battery to ensure safety while working on electrical components.

2. Access the Fuel Sender Unit

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Remove the rear seat or access panel to locate the fuel sender unit.
    2. Disconnect any electrical connectors and fuel lines carefully.
    3. Remove the retaining ring securing the fuel sender unit using a suitable tool.
    4. Lift the fuel sender unit out of the tank while being cautious of fuel spillage.

3. Inspect and Replace Components

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Inspect the float arm and the resistor for any signs of wear or damage.
    2. If the float or resistor is damaged, replace the fuel sender unit with a new part.
    3. Ensure that all connections are clean and tight before reassembling.
    4. If the wiring is damaged, repair or replace the affected wiring.

4. Reassemble and Test

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Reinsert the fuel sender unit into the tank and secure it with the retaining ring.
    2. Reconnect the fuel lines and electrical connectors.
    3. Reinstall the rear seat or access panel.
    4. Reconnect the battery.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • OBD-II scanner
  • Multimeter
  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Fuel line disconnect tool

Parts Required

  • Fuel sender unit (if replacement is necessary)
  • Electrical connectors (if damaged)

Additional Information

Component

Fuel System

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

5 items

Parts

2 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. how to diagnose a dead battery in my Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019)?

    Learn how to diagnose and fix a dead battery issue in your Toyota Highlander (2014-2019). Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repa...

    Component:Electrical
    Symptoms
    • •Engine does not crank or starts very slowly
    • •Interior lights are dim or not functioning
    • +{count} more
  2. what does it mean when my Toyota Highlander shows C1241 code

    C1241

    Learn how to diagnose and fix C1241 ABS issue in Toyota Highlander. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Brakes
    Symptoms
    • •ABS warning light illuminated on the dashboard
    • •Brake warning light illuminated
    • +{count} more
  3. how to reset the maintenance light on Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019)?

    Learn how to reset the maintenance light on a 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander. Step-by-step guide to ensure your maintenance records are cleared.

    Component:Electrical
    Symptoms
    • •Maintenance light illuminated on the dashboard
    • •Reminder message displayed on the screen
    • +{count} more
  4. what does it mean if my Toyota Highlander shows a C1241 code?

    C1241

    Learn how to diagnose and fix C1241 ABS malfunction in Toyota Highlander. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Brakes
    Symptoms
    • •ABS warning light illuminated on the dashboard
    • •VSC warning light illuminated
    • +{count} more
  5. my Toyota Highlander Third Generation (2014-2019) engine hesitates during acceleration what should I...

    Learn how to diagnose and fix engine hesitation during acceleration in the 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures ...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Engine hesitates or stutters when accelerating
    • •Check engine light may be illuminated
    • +{count} more
  6. why does my Toyota Highlander smell like burning oil

    Learn how to diagnose and fix the burning oil smell in your Toyota Highlander. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instruct...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Burning oil odor in the cabin or around the engine bay
    • •Oil spots under the vehicle
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation