Fuel Gauge Reads Empty

Greetings,

I have a 2011 Flex Fuel with 180K. I have a fuel gauge that reads empty all the time. I suspect the fuel sending unit. Is there anyway to test the fuel gauge sending unit without actually dropping the tank and bench testing? Is there any other issue that could cause this? I am considering putting a new fuel pump in it is the fuel sending unit since there are are miles on the vehicle.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Toyotas Techstream software will tell you a lot. If you go into the combination meter ecu (cluster) you can see the fuel level under data list. There is a test than can be run to move the gauge from 0 to 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, Full. This will verify the gauge is working.

The float arm in the tank is just a variable resistor that sends a resistance level based on tank level. That then moves the gauge depending on resistance value the cluster sees from the tank.

If your fuel level in Techstream is 0 gallons could mean a bad sending unit or bad wiring connection.

 

Thank you all for the feedback!

Unfortunately I don't have techstream, I guess I should consider purchasing.

Is there a way to access the fuel sending unit connector without dropping the tank to test? I will check the fuse and wiring as well, thank you!