Fuel Line Disconnected while Driving (clip missing)

[kalieaire]

Conclusion.

I've been working with the Toyota Experience Center (TEC) and they're going to reimburse me for:

• The incurred diagnostic fee at Capitol Toyota.
• The tow from Capitol Toyota back home after work (during rush-hour) (and after I told Capitol Toyota to go )
• Parts I purchased and installed myself (I bought the fuel line and harvested the clip).

I also had the car checked out at Fremont Toyota (they're a class act there, I recommend Maria and Monte if you ever need help), they were nice and waived the diagnostic fee to approve my repair. I hope that TEC will reimburse them 30 minutes of shop time to put the LC250 on the lift and look at the fuel line.

Another funny thing to note. I wrapped a wire around the clip so it wouldn't come out again. The tech removed the wire, claimed that it will rub against the fuel line causing a hole. (I'll refute that as ). He said "it's not needed, the clip is holding the line together, there's no way it can come apart".

Apparently the fool didn't get the memo.

At any rate, I've been made "whole" again. I will still pursue 3d printing a clamshell clamp that uses cotter pins to hold the clip and lines in place.

I don't want this happening on my next camping trip 3-days onto the trail or along the Dempster in winter to Tuktoyaktuk. I'll also look into a solidly mounted fuel Tank that won't flex like the OEM one (like the FK 29 gal Tank). The extra fuel would be useful on that trip since that means I can run the engine continuously. The LC250s have already proven unreliable in cold temperatures past -20°F especially how they don't charge the onboard 12V Battery.

 

[kalieaire]

To book end this. Toyota is now sending me a check to cover all the charges. They sent me the check when I was out of the country back in April and it went missing. Total time dealing w/ Toyota has been about 4 months (if I had been around to receive the check).

Toyota's paying me back for Capitol Toyota for charging me a $299 "Diagnostic Fee" when this was a warranty repair. The cost of the replacement part, and the Tow during rush hour.

Also in the news. Toyota has solved this issue and implemented a fleet wide fix..

..for the 6th gen 4runner.

You'll note that the prongs of the blue clip are shaped differently. This is from a friend's 2026 Toyota 4runner. The 2026 and beyond LC250s will continue having the clip that can separate. I recommend anyone planning to go offroad or hit puddles during rainy season get a replacement main tank like the FK Off-Road or Long Range America tanks. They're solidly mounted so they won't suffer from the same issues bouncing upward and breaking the clip for the line.

Furthermore, report to NHTSA regarding this issue, if enough of us do it, we have a chance at getting a recall to fix this once and for all.

 

[D-mac]

I don't want this happening on my next camping trip 3-days onto the trail or along the Dempster in winter to Tuktoyaktuk. I'll also look into a solidly mounted fuel Tank that won't flex like the OEM one (like the FK 29 gal Tank). The extra fuel would be useful on that trip since that means I can run the engine continuously. The LC250s have already proven unreliable in cold temperatures past -20°F especially how they don't charge the onboard 12V Battery.

Keep in mind these aftermarket fuel tanks are not CARB approved for sale or installation in the People's Republic

 

[kalieaire]

I got a call from NHTSA today. They're moving forward regarding the case with Toyota and their fuel line disconnect. They said they feel that it is an important issue especially with:

• fuel loss
• motive power loss
• fuel loss near the exhaust leading to potential fire

So even though on the Toyota side, things are closed, it's good to hear that some federal services still exist to help protect consumers.

 

[DubDub]

I got a call from NHTSA today. They're moving forward regarding the case with Toyota and their fuel line disconnect. They said they feel that it is an important issue especially with:

• fuel loss
• motive power loss
• fuel loss near the exhaust leading to potential fire

So even though on the Toyota side, things are closed, it's good to hear that some federal services still exist to help protect consumers.

Another one right on the heels of your NHTSA update. I sure hope others follow your lead.

 

[Slippers]

Any chance we can get a pic of where this is located? I was crawling around under mine and I’d love to lay eyes on the clip/connector for peace of mind.

 

[kalieaire]

Any chance we can get a pic of where this is located? I was crawling around under mine and I’d love to lay eyes on the clip/connector for peace of mind.

above the fuel tank.