SLT16

Hi all,

Yesterday i had 4km range left on my SC430. The fuel gauge needle was at 0. So, I went and refueled the car. The owners manual states that it is a 75 liter tank, however, it only filed up to 58 litres before topping out. Yet, the fuel tank was practically empty according to the fuel gauge and the range read out. So how come the fuel tank is 17 litres less than the stated 75 litres? Is this some sort of problem with my particular car, or is there an explanation to this?

Any help will be appreciated!

Coleroad

Sounds like a bad fuel level sending unit. It has a variable resistor that can develop dead spot or stop working completely.

VVTiBob

Agree with Ken. The fuel capacity is correct at 75 liters/19 gallons U.S..
So there could be a mechanical problem in the float, or an electrical problem in the sender unit or gauge itself.

Do you have access to Techstream for a calibration check of the gauge? If not, is the digital display on the air cond panel still working (range approx.) Sometimes when the fuel reporting systems go bad, this display is still a good indicator of miles/kilometers left before the tank is empty and you’re stranded.

SLT16

Unfortunately, I don't have access to a Techstream, so ill most likely take it to the dealer. The digital display is indeed working. Thing is - the fuel nozzle at the gas station cuts its self off at 58 liters. Doesn't this mean that the fuel tank is full? So perhaps the sensors in the fuel tank are not detecting the other 17 liters for some reason?

GmanSC

It's not your fuel gauge problem. It's a problem with fill up the tank.
Read this thread.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...-gas-tank.html

VVTiBob

You should not overfill the tank in either case. Overfilling can potentially damage the evap canister. See this thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...-problems.html