There are many reasons why a Toyota Camry may have fuel gauge, fuel door, or fuel pump issues. Some reasons may be as simple as cleaning out a part of the vehicle, while other issues could require more intricate work from a trained professional.
A common reason for a Toyota Camry’s fuel gauge not working is a faulty fuel sending unit. This unit, located in the fuel tank, sends data about the fuel level to the gauge. If it fails, the fuel gauge won’t display the correct level. To fix this, the fuel tank usually needs to be accessed to replace the faulty sending unit. This can be a complex task and might require professional assistance.
Another potential cause is an issue with the instrument cluster itself. If the fuel gauge’s wiring or connections within the cluster are faulty or loose, it can lead to inaccurate or non-functioning readings. Inspecting and repairing the instrument cluster, particularly focusing on the connections and wiring associated with the fuel gauge, can resolve this issue.
Electrical problems elsewhere in the vehicle can also affect the fuel gauge. A blown fuse related to the instrument panel or fuel system can cause the fuel gauge to stop working. Check the vehicle’s fuse box, locate the fuse for the fuel gauge or instrument cluster, and replace it if it’s blown. This is a simple and quick fix that can often resolve the problem.
Below are common issues your Toyota Camry may have with the fuel gauge, fuel door, or fuel pump. Some of these have an easy fix that any vehicle owner with a bit of DIY experience can accomplish. However, you should always consult a professional if things are too complicated or if the problem is connected to an electrical issue in the vehicle.
Toyota Camry Fuel Gauge Not Working
If the fuel gauge on your Toyota Camry is no longer working, it may be a bad fuel sending unit, which measures the amount of fuel in the fuel tank and then communicates this to the vehicle’s dashboard. The dashboard will warn you if the fuel level is low so you do not run out of gas, but there are reasons this may not be working:
- A fuel gauge may falsely read empty if the float separates from the arm and causes the other components to stop working.
- A defective fuel gauge resistor can cause the gauge to read empty or be stuck on full
- Corroded wires can impede voltage to the fuel gauge
- Mechanical failure may cause the fuel gauge to fluctuate between full and empty
If you continuously drive your vehicle on empty, you are risking more than just running out of gas. You can make your Toyota Camry completely undrivable because the fuel pump can overheat and become irreversibly damaged due to lack of gas. Debris can also clog the fuel pump strainer if your Camry is constantly running low on fuel.
How Often to Change Fuel Filter Toyota Camry and Where is the Fuel Filter Location
It is recommended to change the fuel filter on a Toyota Camry every five years or every 50,000 miles. That being said, you will want to have it checked and cleaned periodically depending on where you live and the amount you drive your vehicle. The fuel filter is located between the fuel tank and the engine, usually inside the top of the fuel tank.
If you look at the top of the fuel tank where it connects to the fuel line, you will be able to clearly see the fuel filter. That way, you can check it yourself to see if it needs to be cleaned so that it runs more smoothly and can make it to that five-year or 50,000-mile mark before it needs to be changed. If not, you may have fuel filter problems.
Toyota Camry Fuel Filter Problems
The fuel filter’s job is in its name, as it filters the fuel that is literally pumped by the fuel pump. Therefore, the engine will not get an adequate amount of fuel and perform sufficiently if you have fuel filter problems. There are certain signs that will tell you that your Toyota Camry’s fuel filter is having problems and may need to be fixed or replaced:
- It takes a few tries to start your vehicle
- Your car stalls when idling at a stop sign or at a red light
- You have excessive vibrating or you feel the engine idling roughly while driving
- The Toyota Camry struggles when driving at lower speeds
If you have found any of the above symptoms to be true, you should have someone check the fuel filter before more serious damage is inflicted on your vehicle.
Toyota Camry Fuel Door Not Opening or is Stuck
If your fuel door is not opening or is stuck after trying to use the release button or opening it manually, it could be a problem with the fuel door’s release mechanism.
There are different ways you can try to open a sticking door, but it depends on whether your car has a manual or electric door. If you do not have a lever or button in the car that automatically opens your fuel door, you may be able to use a credit card to gently pry open a gas tank door that is stuck.
How to Open Stuck Gas Tank Door Toyota Camry
If you need to open the fuel door immediately to give your car much-needed gasoline, try sliding a credit card in the opposite direction of the hinges and have someone else pull the release simultaneously.
Do not forcefully pry the fuel door open, as that could damage the body of your Camry, the paint, or the release mechanism. Eventually, you will probably want to call a mechanic if the fuel door keeps sticking.
Toyota Camry Fuel Door/Gas Door Won’t Close or Latch
If your fuel door/gas door will not close or latch, you can still fuel up your vehicle but it looks bad having a fuel door open and is frustrating to see. Luckily, this issue is much easier to fix than the door not opening and is usually caused by one of three things:
- The fuel door latch is broken
- The fuel door hinge is broken
- The fuel door cable is loose
A mechanic can fix one of the above issues rather inexpensively depending on what the problem is that is keeping your fuel door/gas door from closing or latching.
Toyota Camry Fuel Door Hinge
One of the above reasons that your fuel door/gas door will not close or latch could be a broken fuel door hinge. The hinge is what allows the fuel door to open and close, similar to a regular door, so if it breaks it will affect the door itself. The hinge may be bent or damaged, the hinge pin may be loose, or the bushings may be stiff so the door sticks.
Toyota Camry Fuel Door Release
Another reason the fuel door/gas door will not open could be a broken fuel door release. Many vehicles, including the Toyota Camry, have a release for the fuel door. This is when you pull a lever inside the vehicle or push a button and then it automatically releases the fuel door. If this release is broken, it will not work properly.
Toyota Camry Fuel Door Release Cable
If your fuel door is stuck and does not open, you may also need a new fuel door release cable. They can be purchased for $40.000 or less online and then replaced by a mechanically-savvy Toyota owner or by a professional mechanic.
Copyright protected article by Know My Auto and was first published on Jul 17, 2021. .
Toyota Camry Fuel Door Spring Clip
A part on the fuel door that commonly breaks is the fuel door spring clip, but it is simple to replace and may be done for under $10.00. You can purchase the spring and replace it with ease:
- Open the door and use a small screwdriver to pry the clip off of the hinge pin
- Gently pull the clip off of the gas door’s clip lip
- Slide the new spring clip while positioning the end between the hinge and the pin
- Push the new spring clip down completely and snap it into place
Once you have the new spring clip in, it is recommended that you lubricate the door hinge so that the door opens and closes easily and does not place wear and tear on the spring clip.
Toyota Camry Fuel Door Replacement
Your vehicle’s fuel door should realistically last the lifetime of your vehicle, but if you find you need to replace your fuel door, this could run you anywhere from $150 to $200. If the door no longer opens, works intermittently, or is slow to respond when using the fuel door release cable, these all may be signs that the door is going and needs to be replaced.
You should have a professional assess whether or not your fuel door needs replaced by examining the level to see if the cable or actuator is damaged. The professional mechanic can also assess if there is a problem with the mechanical door release lever by testing the voltage at the switch and at the actuator.
Although a mechanically inclined individual can probably replace a fuel door, it is
recommended you take your Toyota Camry to a professional if it is connected to an electric actuator or a central locking system.
Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Fuse/Fuse Location
The fuse box on your Toyota Camry is located in the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. There will be numerous fuses in which to choose, similar to a home’s fuse box, so you will need to have the proper map or diagram to fully understand which fuse corresponds to which part of the vehicle.
Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Not Working
If the fuel pump is not working, this could be an electrical issue within your Toyota Camry. A professional can assess whether it is an issue with the fuel pump, the main EFI, or the car’s ignition fuses, which can cut the power to the fuel system.
It also may be a bad fuel pump relay that needs to be replaced.
Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Relay Location
The fuel pump relay is located behind the glove box, so you would need to have the entire glove box removed so you can properly see the fuel pump relay. There will be three relays above the opening of the glove box, and the one for the fuel pump is located in the middle of the other two.
Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Running When Car is Off
If you run your car constantly on a low tank, it could cause your fuel pump to run continuously and cause your motor to overheat.
If you are sure you have enough gas in your car but the fuel pump still runs when the car is turned off, you could have fuel that is contaminated and is clogging the fuel strainer by dirt or rust particles.
Toyota Camry Fuel Grade and Type
Many Toyota Camry drivers wonder if they need to spend the extra money to fuel their vehicles with premium gasoline. Will this alleviate the common defects that may be inflicted upon a fuel pump? No. Using the most expensive premium gasoline will not provide any advantages to a Toyota Camry or its overall performance.
Regular unleaded fuel is just fine for a Toyota Camry to drive smoothly and is the
least expensive fuel grade and type. This is an added bonus when filling up at
The copyright owner of this article is Knowmyauto.com and was first published on Jul 17, 2021..
the pump in that you can save some money by not having to fill up your vehicle with premium gasoline.
Toyota Camry Not Getting Fuel
Since the job of the fuel pump is to send fuel to your gas tank through the fuel filter, fuel pump failure could be the reason your Toyota Camry is not getting the fuel it needs to drive.
Most fuel pumps should last more than 100,000 miles, but that does not mean they may not have problems or fail sooner than expected.
Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Failure/Problems
The following symptoms could tell you that you have fuel pump failure or problems that need to be addressed:
- Your car will not start
- Your car starts, but sputters and then possibly stops
- Your car dies when carrying heavy loads
- The acceleration is inconsistent or could accelerate unexpectedly
- The fuel efficiency of the vehicle has decreased
- The engine temperature has increased due to an overstressed engine
You can replace the fuel pump if need be, but this is somewhat complicated and is recommended that it is done by a mechanic. For example, you will need to release pressure from the fuel line, double-check that no live electricity is present, and then carefully remove the fuel pump. This can be a very tedious process if not done correctly.
Toyota Camry Fuel Capacity and Won’t Take Gas
If your Toyota Camry has problems with fuel capacity or simply will not take any gas, it is probably an issue with the evaporative emissions system.
The evaporative emissions system is a way for vehicles to minimize the emissions that are released into the air, but it could also affect your Camry’s fuel capacity and not allow the vehicle to take gas.
Related Articles
Toyota Camry Brake System Issues
Toyota Camry Traction Control Problems
Toyota Camry Hood Latch Broken
Toyota Camry: Different Light Issues
Toyota Prius Fuel Door/Gauge/Pump Problems
Toyota RAV4 Fuel (Door/Gauge/Pump) Problems
Toyota Highlander Fuel Gauge Not Working (How To Fix)
KnowMyAuto is the sole owner of this article was published on Jul 17, 2021 and last updated on .