"Fuel Tank" Warning Light. 80 Series
Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 15:37
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Scoey (QLD)
Hi all,
I have a 1994 GXL 80. 4.5L Petty Auto 1FZ-FE. Driving along the other day and the "Fuel Tank" warning light appeared on the dash. I pulled over and checked the owners manual which indicated a fuel filter or fuel tank problem. That's a bit vague so I checked my
Gregory's in which I couldn't find a mention of this warning light, so I thought I'd ask the
forum if anyone had any ideas of what it could be.
Obviously I'll change the fuel filter (good excuse to) but I was wondering if it could be indicating something more sinister?
Any thoughts will be appreciated!
Thanks
Ross!
Reply By: Alan H (Narangba QLD) - Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 16:17
Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 16:17
On the 80 series there is a light on the dash near the fuel guage indicating empty main tank (no light for second tank)
There is also a sender at the bottom of the filter which I quess will come on if there is water trapped in the fuel.
Mine has never come on but I guess it is one of the lights across the bottom of the guage cluster.
A simple filter change may fix it but if water has any quantity throw a bottle of metho into the tank to mix the water or else drain the tank.
I would not ignore the light. water into the injectors and it will stop.
AnswerID:
262879
Follow Up By: Scoey (QLD) - Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 16:35
Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 16:35
Hi Alan,
I dare say I've seen you around! I also live in Narangba - small world! ;-)
It's not the empty light - that one I'm familiar with. The one I'm speaking of is the words "FUEL TANK" and they're
orange in colour. It's along the bottom of the instrument cluster with all the others but it's towards the left hand end of the cluster.
I haven't changed the filter since I've had the truck (approx 30,000k) so unless it's ridiculously expensive for some reason I'll do that and see what happens.
Also, this might sound like a stupid question, but how would water get into the tank? Are we talking deep water crossings and getting it in the breathers??? or just condensation of some sort? Coz I haven't played in water for AGES!
Yeah I decided not to ignore the light. I haven't driven it since it came on and I'll suss the prob out first!
Cheers
Ross
FollowupID:
524405
Follow Up By: Scoey (QLD) - Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 16:37
Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 16:37
I just had a second thought. The tanks have been allowed to run fairly low on a number of occaisions lately. It's prob quite plausible that I've been picking up the dirty cr*p in the bottom of the tank and have partially blocked the filter would you say?
Cheers
Ross
FollowupID:
524407
Follow Up By: Alan H (Narangba QLD) - Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007 at 14:36
Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007 at 14:36
Yes
Condensation can be a problem. I try to store the truck with full tanks so there is little airspace in the tank to reduce condensation and rust etc.
The other way to get water is to just buy contaminated fuel out of a pump. Can happen especially if the servo has let its tanks get low as they usually have some water from condensation etc in the bottom of the tank.
Another hint is not take fuel on board if the tanker is there or just left as the delivery from the tanker can stir the contents. Come back later when it has settled or go somewhere else for fuel.
FollowupID:
524541
Reply By: Member - Karl - Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 17:27
Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 17:27
Water can get in from condesation etc - which would be a bit more of a problem up your way with the humidity etc.
Also if you let the tanks run empty and stay empty for awhile they tend to rust and this will cause problems.
Quiet possible it is a block fuel filter unless you also have a filter system near the fuel tanks (I have a diesel 80 Series).
Hope this helps. Might also pay to try the new 80 Series site as
well - www.0ffroad80s.com - quiet a few knowledgeable people there as
well.
Karl
AnswerID:
262885
Follow Up By: Scoey (QLD) - Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 17:38
Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 17:38
G'Day Karl,
Thanks for the info. I'll
check it out! I wasn't aware that empty tanks will rust so thanks for that! You might find a cross post on www.0ffroad80s.com! ;-)
Cheers
Ross
FollowupID:
524414
Follow Up By: Member - Karl - Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007 at 09:59
Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007 at 09:59
No problems - found out the hard way about fuel tanks rusting myself.
Karl
FollowupID:
524504
Reply By: Member - Howard (ACT) - Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007 at 14:02
Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007 at 14:02
Scoey,
that warning light tells you you have a problem with the float level ( saftey level to avoid overfilling) in the main tankwhich controls the pump switch used to transfer fuel from secondary to main tank.
I have had the same issue for about 2 years with my 92 model.
if you try to transfer fuel you will see that the transfer switch will turn on and then turn straight off.
ie you cannot tranfer fuel.
If you completely fuel main tank the light will stay on until fuel level drops below about 3/4.
It will then come on again at about 1/4 tank level
I have found at times you can reset by removing fuse for guages then filling tank.
permanent fix is either remove tank and free up float or do as I did and rig up a bypass switch that allowed power to transfer pump regargless of amount of fuel in main. Just have to watch out I dont overfill. By keeping main tank above 1/4 I dont have warning light glowing.
cheers
Howard
AnswerID:
262973
Reply By: Member - DOZER- Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007 at 21:59
Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007 at 21:59
The other thing it could be is the pump itself...when they draw too much current, the light goes on, but it is usually the floats in the main tank.
Basically, the ecu for the fuel transfer system (in the rear passenger quarter panel behind the left rear door) looks at tank levels in both aux and main...if a float in either jams, it will set off a warning...there are two floats in the main, one to show 3/4 full level, to allow the running of the transfer pump, and one to show full to stiop the pump...when they both activate at once, the ecu tilts...and brings up the tilt light...(i used to play alot of pinball)
You can try filling the main and hitting it with a wooden hammer a few times...or pulling the fuse....ubfoprtunately, it will return thou.
Andrew
AnswerID:
263054