When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi, i have a 2004 ls430 and the fuel gauge just stopped working. Showing empty and light on. Never had any previous issues with it. Last night fuel was on last quarter so i filled up and the tank was then full. Then the issue appeared. This morning I turn the car on and the fuel gauge went from full to half in a few seconds, then went to empty and light is on. I turned the car off then back on and tried disconnecting the battery but no luck. Now all that happens is when i turn the car on the fuel gauge goes straight up to half (even with full tank) then after a few seconds goes to empty with light on. Fuel data on the display (kms till empty etc) lights up but shows no data just a dash ---
The 04 LS430 has 2 fuel level sensors located under the rear passenger seat (see circled in red on diagram below). Have you done any work recently around that area? You may have loosen one or both of the electrical connectors. You can rule out a bad fuse since the fuel gauge can move.
Hey thanks for the info! About a month ago lexus had to fix my rear entertainment unit as the rear display and controls werent working. They said there was an open circuit somewhere in a wiring loom. They ended up having to run another power wire to the rear radio to get it working again. They would have had the seats out then so yeah perhaps a loose connection. Hope it's nothing more serious.
I might have a go and pulling the seats out or take it back to the dealer as im due for a service. I'll post an update when i can.
***Update***
So i finally got my car into the dealer and they removed the main tank guage and sender and found that there was a connector pin inside that had broken off from the connector plug on the sender guage. Dealer reckons perhaps someone didnt plug it in correctly causing the pin to be bent and broke off. Stated this may have happened when changing a fuel filter? (Never had fuel filter changed since i have owned the car). Perhaps it has been hanging in there as a loose connection for a while and when i filled up the tank to the max it finally gave up? I dont know. Dealer has to order the part from Japan so i have to wait a few weeks for the new sender guage.
Just for info incase anyone has the same issue in the future!
had this issue when my Maxima was brand new in 1998. Dealership replaced the sending unit under warranty, 3X. The third has been in service 18+ yrs....
Just my opinion, you know that a LS has had work done on the fuel pump etc., when the rear seat has a tiny bit of play (lower). My sneaking suspicion is either something is broken upon reassembly, or it just doesn't fit properly when a dealer does it...my car fits this description
06-06-17, 11:53 PM
04 LS430 fuel gauge just stopped working
