Low Fuel Light & Fuel Tank Capacity

Hello.

I recently purchased a '99 Xtra Cab, 2.4 liter, SR5. I've been operating under the assumption that the low fuel light doesn't work because it hasn't come on in the 8 months I've owned it. Recently though, I'm wondering if I'm just not letting the tank get low enough. I usually fill it up when the needle hits "E" and the tank will usually take between 11 and 12 gallons. The truck didn't come with a manual, but everything I've read online states I should have another 3 or so gallons for a total of 15. Does this sound correct? If so, just how low does the needle need to go before the light comes on?

Thanks in advance,

Dave

 

My 04 takes 18.5 in the tank. I do notice it needs to be really by the E for the light to turn on.

 

Check fuel economy.gov they have the capacity of the tank and miles on a tank

 

My 98 either doesn't have the light or it burned out. I have run out of gas before so it definitely got low enough that it would have come on.

 

I've been reading a bit more on the subject. It sounds like the light comes on when about 4 gallons or so are left in the tank. I'm always adding about 11 or 12 gallons... so if the tank holds 15, I may not be running it low enough for the light to come on. I guess I'll test it and see.

 

When you start running low, bring an extra gallon of gas to get you to the station.

 

Think 2wd has 15 gallon capacity while 4wd has 18 gallon. I have never seen
a low fuel light on my 95.5 or my 96!

 

I've been on E for a couple of days, just waiting for the fuel light...it hasn't come on yet.

I went to get gas last night, and my normal station is closed for remodel. Oops. Oh well, I'll get to work and hit the one on the way home.

20 feet from the parking garage entrance just after taking a corner, it died. I was able to start it again and get into the garage though.

Gotta be on fumes if a corner sloshed the gas out of reach. Damnit. Now I don't dare try and make it to the gas station - I know it'll die on the bridge and I'll be blocking traffic, creating an embarrassment and hassle.

At least I had the 5gal can in back that I was taking to refill too. Have to find a ride for fuel I guess.

Happy birthday!

 

Just wanted to state that you should avoid running out of gas if possible as it may burn up your fuel pump. Gasoline lubricates the pump and when there is no gas/lube, things get hot in there and can cause the pump to seize. The fuel pump is inside the gas tank so its not super easy (or cheap) to replace.

Look at the vehicle specs for tank size. If you want to confirm, I suggest only getting close to running out of gas. Figure out what your average MPG is and multiply that by the size of your tank, then travel that amount after filling your tank minus 1 gallons.
E.g. If your avg mpg is 20mpg and specs say you have a 15gal tank, 15x20= 300 miles (Range) 300miles - 20miles(safety buffer) = 280 miles

I have a 18gal tank (with about 18mpg) and my light comes on when theres about 3 gals left. That gives me about 54 miles before I run out of gas but of course ill be at a gas station within 36 miles. Plenty of time to get to my gas station of choice thats on my way

 

Well I certainly didn't do it intentionally. My plan was to go until the light came on, then fill up and see how many gallons it took.

Absence of a light put a damper on that.

 

I was referring to this statement... Should've quoted sooner...

 

https://fueltankcap.com/toyota/tacoma/1996

 

Not all Tacoma`s have the low fuel light !!

Mine does not then it needs gas so often any case