Fuel Tank Float Sesnor HELP!!!!!

[KaDuWin]

Ok here's the scenerio. ABout 4 months ago I started to notice that my gas gauge would move quite easily after a normal trip without driving like a maniac, at first I thought there was something wrong because I was burning so much gas, so I replaced the original fuel filter at 125,000 miles and I thought it helped, but again the gas gauge starts to move very easily, sometimes it will fall to about half way on the gauge and then register normal for the most part.

So in other words, the gas gauge is telling me I am burning a ton of gas until I reach about half way at which time, the gas gauge becomes somewhat accurate again but still dances a lot, today for instance it was at just below half, fell to just above a quarter (by only a smidge) and then jumped back up to just below a half tank. But some times the gauage dances like this above half and below half, more than once.

Now I think it is the float in the fuel tank, can any one tell me, where I can find it on the car? Can it be replaced or do I have to replace the tank? Is the job and or the part expensive? Please help me I am spending really stupid amounts of money on gas after thinking I am almost out of gas, but I am not.

[Ben]

The fuel float is in the gas tank itself. I believe that you do need to drop the fuel tank to get to it, which isn't exactly a fun job. When the tank is dropped, I would do a fuel pump (or at least the fuel pump sock) while the tank is down.

[CyFi]

You do not need to drop the tank, there is an access opening to get to it and you can take it all the way out without dropping the tank. You can find it under the center consle in front of the shifter, im pretty sure its under the climate control, you will see it, theres a little plate over it that you have to remove first. Good luck

[KaDuWin]

Originally Posted by CyFi

You do not need to drop the tank, there is an access opening to get to it and you can take it all the way out without dropping the tank. You can find it under the center consle in front of the shifter, im pretty sure its under the climate control, you will see it, theres a little plate over it that you have to remove first. Good luck

Awsome thanks. So far I have read that in order to get to the fuel level sensor/float that there was an access panel, some people said it was impossible to get to, some made it sound unbelievably complex and time consuming, and few others said that I had to drop the tank completely, but I think I am more willing to go along with what the majority of people are telling me, which is that there is an access panel which will enable me to not have to drop the tank, any ways thanks, that some really awsome news which confirms what I needed to know.

Hey do you know if the fuel level sensor/float is expensive or hard to find?

[Ben]

If thats the case, go for the access panel. It can't hurt to try and at least it should be easy to get to. Fuel pumps aren't that hard to find, try asking Aaron at Lithia Toyota if he can get you one.

[KaDuWin]

Originally Posted by Ben

If thats the case, go for the access panel. It can't hurt to try and at least it should be easy to get to. Fuel pumps aren't that hard to find, try asking Aaron at Lithia Toyota if he can get you one.

LOL sorry I meant to ask about the fuel level sensor/float not the fuel pump. I didn't realize it until just now. My bad, any ways are fuel level sensors hard to come by or expensive? Either way I am still very appreciative of your help and your time.

[muffinman]

i've had the same problem as you the fuel gauge kept telling me it was almost empty aven though it was full. I personally don't know the price for a new one because i got mine from a junk yard but as CyFi said after removing the center console it's very easy to replace. BTW if you can't find an MR2 at a local junk yard , it's possible that other Toyota models might have the same part your looking for.

[KaDuWin]

Originally Posted by muffinman

i've had the same problem as you the fuel gauge kept telling me it was almost empty aven though it was full. I personally don't know the price for a new one because i got mine from a junk yard but as CyFi said after removing the center console it's very easy to replace. BTW if you can't find an MR2 at a local junk yard , it's possible that other Toyota models might have the same part your looking for.

Awsome, every time I hear someone tell me that the center console is the correct way to go I get so much more relaxed about my car's condition. At first I was told that he fuel tank would have to be dropped, but now that I know other people that have had the same problem and have corrected it rather simply...I just wonna say "THANK GOD."