When the low fuel light comes on....

[GoLowDrew]

Does anyone know how much gas is still in the car? I travelled about 50 when after it came on. The indicator was just below the E. Then when I fill up, all I could put in was about 11.XX gallons. This lead me to think that there is about 2 gallons still left? If that's the case, I didn't really need gas then. I know the indicator is not 100% correct, but 2 gallon difference seems a lot.Does anyone know?

[savedbyzero]

Not for sure. Wander the same thing myslef. I've taken it to the same point. Didn't want to push it any further! I thought the take was only a 12 gallon and some change. HHHMMM? Specs folks, can you help us?

[champcaracing]

i know when my light comes on i have about 3 gallons or so left, that seems the norm with toyota, my tundra did the same, the tacoma was the same.

[rasermon]

In the manual (03) it states when on E or empty, you still have a little fuel left about 1 or 2 gallons (3.8L or 7.6L), but you need fuel right away.When the light comes on I think you have about 2.5 - 3.5 left.

[savedbyzero]

So say about 65-75 miles to be safe on the highway then, with GT that is.More than I thought. Sure does seem to fall once you get to that point!

[ragingfish]

Someone here ran a test...they drove the car until gas ran out...Trying to remember who it was...

[Jahntassa]

My light comes on between 10 and 10.5 gallons, which leaves 3 to 2.5 gallons left. Which is okay...it was helpful when I made a down-the-coast trip after a hurricane last fall and I couldn't find gas because all the stations had no power.. :/

[justb68]

I am so glad to see this thread! I'm so bad at running it til the last drop. My light came on the other day and I had no idea how long I had - especially since the needle started dropping so fast!

[savedbyzero]

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »I think it was DisneyDJ.......That's funny! I've always wanted to put 1/2 gallon 2 seperate times in my car and run test to see if I'd get further going fast and coasting or goind slow the whole time! This will never happen, but fun to think about doing!

[ragingfish]

Ok, I found it.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5354#60017

[JohnC]

Just my $.02 on driving till the low fuel light comes on...don't do it! The electric fuel pump is cooled by the gasoline in the tank, running fuel level low = less cooling = shorter fuel pump life.

[MadBill]

Running low has its dangers, but the gasoline acts more as a lubricant than a coolant, so the real danger is when you start sucking air. Guys I know that run endurance road race Camaros and Corvettes are always trying to stretch the range, so the car is stumbling and coughing in the corners for several laps. They definitely do burn up a few pumps!Drove 95 miles/day for 35 years; none to go as of last month! Wee Ha!!

[Jahntassa]

I think 2-3 gallons in the tank should be quite enough for the pump... I usually estimate 20-30 miles from when the light comes on.. more if I can't get to a station..But..as I haven't dealt with the fuel pumps specifically, I could be talking crap!

[justb68]

Due to the information on this thread that I read yesterday, I drove 45 miles this morning without a worry after my light came on just as I pulled out of my driveway this morning. - Now if I can just make it to the bank and gas station! Thanks!

[GoLowDrew]

Quote, originally posted by MadBill »Running low has its dangers, but the gasoline acts more as a lubricant than a coolant, so the real danger is when you start sucking air. Guys I know that run endurance road race Camaros and Corvettes are always trying to stretch the range, so the car is stumbling and coughing in the corners for several laps. They definitely do burn up a few pumps!Drove 95 miles/day for 35 years; none to go as of last month! Wee Ha!!I didn't know that it effects the fuel pump. I'll try not to do that again. We drive 140 miles a day (for 2 years now), and a good stretch of the drive have no gas station, follow by (overpriced stations) along the hwy. I think it's smart to plan better to fuel up at home, knowing what I know now.BTW - thanks for the info guys, and the link to someone who test it so atleast I know I'll make it home when the light goes on.

[Raven]

Well I pushed the envelope today. I went about 50 miles with the fuel light on and when I filled up it took 52.3 L ( 13.8 gal. US ) This is more than the rated capacity of the tank (50L) I was running on vapors not fumes!

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by MadBill »Drove 95 miles/day for 35 years; none to go as of last month! Wee Ha!!so you retired? that's tough luck. No holidays, no time off. congratulations (sorry for going OT)

[Vibe o rater]

Interesting..... I've filled up 3 times now, all at 11+ gals. and my low fuel light hasn't come on once. Owners Manual says 13+ gal. total capacity????

[Raven]

Quote, originally posted by Vibe o rater »Interesting..... I've filled up 3 times now, all at 11+ gals. and my low fuel light hasn't come on once. Owners Manual says 13+ gal. total capacity????The Vibe gets well over 30mpg. You would have less than 2 gal. left for the light to come on. You must have been close a few times. Drive it until the light comes on and then see how far your nerves will let you push your luck, it's fun.

[MadBill]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »so you retired? that's tough luck. No holidays, no time off. congratulations (sorry for going OT) ...Every day is Saturday, anything you don't want to do, you can put off to manyana...

[MadBill]

Quote, originally posted by Sunny ».... Drive it until the light comes on and then see how far your nerves will let you push your luck, it's fun.And besides, walking is good exercise...