2002 RX300 Fuel Gauge Problem
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: NY
2002 RX300 Fuel Gauge Problem
Hi everyone! While driving this eve I noticed my fuel gauge dropped and buried at empty with solid yellow on low fuel indicator light. However, I know for sure i have at least half tank of fuel. I dont see or smell a fuel leak. Turned ignition off and restarted to see if it would reset (it restarted, but, gauge still buried on E with low fuel light on). Tested fuel cap it's secure. Didn't get any reading with OBDII. Is this an issue with sending unit/ fuel pressure/ fuel pump/ fuse/ relay...Any help would be appreciated! test or fix
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 555
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From: PA
I've heard that Chevron Techron (or other good fuel system cleaner) can "Un-Stick" the fuel gauge after a treatment or two. Since it seems yours dropped suddenly (?) it would appear that it might not be stuck but I thought I would offer up the idea anyway. Good luck.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: OREGON
My 1993 LS400 gas needle seems sluggish to register accurately. There is definitely some sticking issues with the older model gauges. perhaps the float sticks due to condensation and corrosion. I am thinking about using a dry gas for a bit. Seems worse in cold weather. Gauge eventually registers correctly...but when less than a full tank...it takes a bout 5 minutes to come up. anyone else???
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: NY
Thanks for the advice. I have seen a few online posts commenting on the use of Chevrons Techron. Seems like a good, simple first step. I'm assuming its a safe additive to use in a 2002 RX300?
There was nothing unusual noticed prior to the fuel gauge being buried at "E" and low fuel indicator light comming on. I almost never let tank go below half full, especially during winter. And I only use Sunoco 93 octane from 2 nearby stations. I will give an update. Thanks again!
There was nothing unusual noticed prior to the fuel gauge being buried at "E" and low fuel indicator light comming on. I almost never let tank go below half full, especially during winter. And I only use Sunoco 93 octane from 2 nearby stations. I will give an update. Thanks again!
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 555
Likes: 18
From: PA
It it safe to use on your 02. I use it on all of my vehicles. Use it as directed for a few tanks and see what happens. If nothing else, it will cleanse your injectors and everything else along the fuel route.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,338
Likes: 213
From: Miami, Florida
Thanks for the advice. I have seen a few online posts commenting on the use of Chevrons Techron. Seems like a good, simple first step. I'm assuming its a safe additive to use in a 2002 RX300?
There was nothing unusual noticed prior to the fuel gauge being buried at "E" and low fuel indicator light comming on. I almost never let tank go below half full, especially during winter. And I only use Sunoco 93 octane from 2 nearby stations. I will give an update. Thanks again!
There was nothing unusual noticed prior to the fuel gauge being buried at "E" and low fuel indicator light comming on. I almost never let tank go below half full, especially during winter. And I only use Sunoco 93 octane from 2 nearby stations. I will give an update. Thanks again!
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,338
Likes: 213
From: Miami, Florida
That issue used to happen to me in Mexico and I wound up disconnecting the battery and then reconnecting to get the E light off before it was apparent it should have gone off. I blame that solely on the gasoline down there at the time (though it has much improved since I left).
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: NY
Thanks everyone for your help. Everything was same this morning when I started it back up (buried on "E " and low fuel indicator lamp on). Drove to work, no issues with performance. Started it up to leave work this eve, back to normal (fuel gauge at half tank, low fuel indicator lamp off). Any ideas on what is going on?
On way home I picked up some techron anyway and will give it a treatment. By the way, autozone has buy one get one free special. And I will check battery cables and all relative fuses and relays. I will keep everyone posted!
On way home I picked up some techron anyway and will give it a treatment. By the way, autozone has buy one get one free special. And I will check battery cables and all relative fuses and relays. I will keep everyone posted!
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: NY
From the sound of it, it sounds like it might be a loose connection. Doesn't seem like the float would be stuck at the bottom if the tank was never really less than half full. It could be possible that during the drive to work, it knocked the bad connection back together. If I'm not mistaken, the fuel level is read by how much ground is being sent to the sender/gauge/etc...
Daniel
Daniel
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