Anyone else have a fuel gauge that goes down halfway almost instantly?

[muddybumper]

After I fill up my fuel gauge is back down to half way after about 50 miles usually. Anyone else have this happen?

[Nordical25]

I had also a bit lower readings after rebuilding my fuel tank gauge.

FSM (https://tercel4wd.com/fsm/1985T4WD.pdf) defines correct ohm readings for fuel gauge in different positions. Has it been always like that or has it changed suddenly?

[muddybumper]

It's been like this since I've owned the vehicle which has been about 3 years

[dlb]

I've found this to be pretty common on al25's. I found that removing the fuel sender (if possible -- the screws fastening it to the tank are often completely rusted away) and cleaning the contacts helped a bit but even then, the readings were never terribly accurate.

[Nordical25]

I agree with dlb on rust especially if car has been used at salty areas. I had a leaking fuel tank needed to be replaced so I used drill to get my fuel sender out.

If tank is rust free you may get tank assembly down and see if you can open fuel sender screws. But it may result into ordering another sender unit or finding complete spare fuel tank so it is a good question if it is worth the effort.

[MrWrench]

New aftermarket sending units are available o eBay. They’re around $60-$70 shipped. I have one in my 86 but I haven’t tested it yet unfortunately.

This is always an option if you’re unable to clean or repair your current unit.

[Petros]

sound like the resistance coil is worn away just below full on the sender. sometimes taking it out and cleaning the contact helps. I have also bent the little arm with the contact on it so it made better contact with the resistance coil also helps.

but if the coil is worn away, there is not much you can do about it other than to replace it. if you can find the same resistance wire you might be able to re-wrap the coil, but I think replacing it would be less trouble.

good luck

[Ace]

Over time my Tercel fuel gauge readings have become less accurate and less consistent. I used to get about 200 highway miles on a full tank before the gauge reading dropped to the halfway mark. Now the readings are lower, sooner. It hasn't been enough of a problem to motivate me to troubleshoot or take things apart. My MPG is fairly consistent so I just reset the trip odometer at each fill-up and watch the mileage.

[Carbineone1964]

I used to..It was a 1966 Buick Wildcat though..

[Nordical25]

I think FSM has correct Ohm readings for that gauge. You can check it out from there. You find correct readings from page BE-26.

[cars-guy]

My Tercel is in a different state than I live now. It works for Hollywood and I live in NM. I used to drive it a lot and I can’t remember if the fuel gauge went down quicker on the first half or the second half but it was strange that way. I’m pretty sure it was the first half. Regardless, I always filled up when it hit e (I know you’re not supposed to let it get that low but the tank is squeaky clean) and I have never ran out of gas.