I filled up my tank before driving 1.5 hours back home. Then about 30 minutes into the drive, the gas needle drops down to E and the gas indicator light comes on. It stayed that way all the way to the house. What is going on? Please give me some information as to what i need to do...Im a young woman with not alot of experience with cars and I also dont want to be taken advantage of by some mechanic telling me i need to by something when I really dont. Thank you for any help.

 

Given the symptoms the problem will require some diagnostics.

A mechanic should be able to test the fuel quantity system following a procedure similar to the one in the link below:

1996 Toyota Camry Problem Fuel Gauge

It could be the fuel level sender device inside the fuel tank or a problem with the wiring to the sensor such as loose wire, bad ground wire.

This is why a test procedure should be followed.

Make sure whoever works on the car determines what the problem is first before changing parts. Often mechanics change parts first then determine if it fixes the problem.

The fuel tank sender installs from the top of the fuel tank. It can be easily accessed by removing the lower rear seat cushion, a cover plate, then the access cover on the tank. There is no need to remove the fuel tank which would cost more $$.

In the mean time, fill the tank up completely and use the trip meter to gauge when to fill the tank. If a 4 cylinder average overall MPG is about 26, a V6 maybe 23. The tank holds 18.5 gallons.

 

I have had a related problem with my 95 Camry. Approximately six months ago my gas gauge "out of the blue" showed empty and my light indicator indicated that I had a blown bulb. I knew both indicators were incorrect. The gas gauge because it was not consistent with the number of miles driven and the light indicator because a check of my lights indicated otherwise. Nevertheless I filled my tank and both indicators resumed functionality only to find that now my console gear shift "D" was no longer lit when the car was in drive. At the time I had no idea that the problem was related to my previous electrical mysteries which appeared to have gone away.

The story continues, two weeks ago while driving approximately 100 miles away from my home, in the rain, my gas gauge mysteriously started indicating full after I had driven over 200 miles. I got gas and got back on the road to find that in addition to the now functioning gas gauge, my gear "D" was now lit again. Any suggestions?

 

The blown bulb indicator being on may be a result of wiring issues. Check the wiring harness in the trunk for damage where it goes from the chassis to the trunk lid.

 

[QUOTE=toyomoho;71177]The blown bulb indicator being on may be a result of wiring issues. Check the wiring harness in the trunk for damage where it goes from the chassis to the trunk lid.[/QUOTe

Thanks, I'll check it out the next time the problem appears. I frankly am in no hurry to rush into what could be a hornet's nest.

 

try use mvci honda toyota diagnostic tool check your car.

 

good!!!!!!!!!!!!