fuel gauge warning light, early?

[canadave]

We just drove around for a bit in our new (used) 2004 Vibe. We started off with a quarter of a tank remaining, drove about 40km, needle was around three quarters of the way between E and 1/4 mark, and then the low fuel warning light lit up. Isn't that a bit early? Every other car I've owned, the light came on only when the needle was around E.

[vit]

I don't know about the 04, but on the second gen the light would come on with about 3 gallons left. They rely on the fuel left in tank to cool the fuel pump.

[09vGT]

On mine ('09), the light won't illuminate until its almost on the "E" line.

[mjowen]

We just drove around for a bit in our new (used) 2004 Vibe. We started off with a quarter of a tank remaining, drove about 40km, needle was around three quarters of the way between E and 1/4 mark, and then the low fuel warning light lit up. Isn't that a bit early? Every other car I've owned, the light came on only when the needle was around E.

My 05 comes on around then too so it could just be 1st gen vibes, I've never even really thought about it.

[jake75]

Likewise - 0n my 2009 the fuel warning light comes on when the needle is almost at empty - but at that point it never takes more than 10 gal to fill.
So if your needle is halfway between 1/4 and E it is probably reading even more accurately. You probably have the same 3+ gal left so there is no need to panic nd stiop at the next gas station you see.

[tpollauf]

I don't know about the 04, but on the second gen the light would come on with about 3 gallons left. They rely on the fuel left in tank to cool the fuel pump.

This is a very accurate assumption. I once got 70 more miles of highway driving AFTER the light came on and then when I finally filled up, it only took 11.9 gallons. So breathe easy & drive a bit more