Toyota rav4 2008... Got me stumped!!!!

Cheked the way cluster recieves fuel level input: From ProDemand: Cluster receives fuel level directly from sender( Direct Line) I assume the cluster cpu varies the needle based on internal algorythme.... But one thing for shure it does not pass through the can line.... Speed input is not an issue on this case because Odometer works, trip meter also.... Here is a picture of a resumé of pins, as well as a temporary fix i thought of based on power distribution in the cluster.... Tell me what you think.... Thanks again!!!! Sorry for the angle of the picture!

Attachement....

Should work. I wonder what is the cause 2 instrument clusters misbehave.

I would also add a diode to minimize potential problems with flyback voltage.

Changed cluster again today... Redid all the tests... Asked the custommer to keep me personnally posted on the outcome.... Suggested her the by-pass fix if all else fails... Hope this time is the good one!!!! Thanks guys!

After installing new cluster, were you able to test it? Did it update when it left your shop?

She dident want to take chances so she was filling up the tank every two days.... The tank was full, She just stoped by a gas station before coming to the shop.... Took readings of the fuel level float at cluster... Cluster unplugged of course! Readings were spot on with a full tank! plugged in the ''New'' cluster and reads full... Gave her my personal phone number on buisness card and told here to call if anything was wrong or fine!!!

Man, what a job!
I was thinking along the lines as Tyler, although the diagram shows that the sender connects direct to the gauge, there must be some kind of built in slosh regulator to keep the needle from swaying around while driving. I couldn't find any info about that though....

Kirby wrote: Changed cluster again today... Redid all the tests... Asked the custommer to keep me personnally posted on the outcome.... Suggested her the by-pass fix if all else fails... Hope this time is the good one!!!! Thanks guys!

Got my fingers crossed for this one! :lol:

I don't see that you missed anything, for the record. Couldn't find anything relevent in Mitchell. Identifix and iATN had nothing.

Just curious, where'd you get the replacement cluster from?

Sorry to say i got it from a recycling facility...AKA junk yard! A brand new cluster is 950$ .... With 240 000 km on the toyota i cant blame the customer paying 150$ for a used one.... And i forked part of the diagnostic cause i was frustrated about all this.... Still thinking about it! hope to have news soon!!!

Noah wrote: Man, what a job!
I was thinking along the lines as Tyler, although the diagram shows that the sender connects direct to the gauge, there must be some kind of built in slosh regulator to keep the needle from swaying around while driving. I couldn't find any info about that though....

The slosh regulator as you call it is built in the cluster ecu.... Like i said in one of my posts, ecu probably has an algorythm that takes a sample of the resistance of the gage every now and then.... and inputs it to the needle.... Same strategy as all cars today.... Granted voltage is more common....