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How much fuel left when you get the "gas low" light?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Stoic, May 8, 2012.

  1. May 8, 2012 at 6:32 AM
    #1
    Stoic

    Stoic [OP] But I'm not bitter

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    My just purchased '04 3.4L V6 (PreRunner 18.5 gal tank) just had the light go on after only 260 miles. I'm going to fill it up to see how much fuel was left. I'm hoping at least 2-2.5 gals otherwise this thing is going to be a pig on mileage. It was about 75/25 city/highway.

    Maybe a tune-up will help.:facepalm:
     
  2. May 8, 2012 at 7:27 AM
    #2
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    If you really want to be diligent with fuel economy, sign up for fuelly.com (it's free). After a few months of tracking my mpgs I began to change habits, etc... and now I'm averaging 22 mpg (non-winter gas)
     
  3. May 8, 2012 at 7:28 AM
    #3
    jpneely

    jpneely Well-Known Member

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    you have about 4 gal left after the light comes on. for me at least.
     
  4. May 8, 2012 at 8:34 AM
    #4
    twfsa

    twfsa Well-Known Member

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    I would not make it a habit to run the tank low and over heat the fuel pump.
     
  5. May 8, 2012 at 9:17 AM
    #5
    AK Taco

    AK Taco Well-Known Member

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    I try not to run that low on gas but there have been times when ive put 16-16.5 gallons in my tank and the gas light wasn't on.
     
  6. May 8, 2012 at 9:24 AM
    #6
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    I understand the mechanics of the pump and all, but I honestly have been filling up with less than 1/4 tank left for 13 years.

    No problems *knock on wood* so far.
     
  7. May 8, 2012 at 1:30 PM
    #7
    Robertgeejr1

    Robertgeejr1 Well-Known Member

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    I have done all the hi-pro mods for a life time, since I got this truck at a great price, I will be happy with showroom new.
    well coming from a ol' timer, 1/4 tank is fine, its making it a habit of running it that low that the fuel light comes on is where you can have a problem.
    I remember some points on this from popular mechanics.
    1, when the tank gets that low, with stop and go traffic, you can expose the pump even if its for a second its not good for it.

    2. after any car/truck as age on it you run the risk of having some trash in the bottom of tank and that can get sucked in.

    3. leaving a tank that low for long periods can cause the tank so sweat on the inside, and over the life of a vehicle it can build up.

    I am not saying this will happen, it could happen.

    and remember, it always easier to fill up the tank these day when its half full, instead of empty, so you don't pass out!

    and remember, on most cars, and I believe it is the same on the truck, you have two fuel filter. the main one protects the injectors, engine, you change. the second is part of the fuel pump, that is the one that can get clogged with water, trash, when the tank is low to dry, and this is what will starve and over heat or put stress on the fuel pump.
     
  8. May 8, 2012 at 7:17 PM
    #8
    Stoic

    Stoic [OP] But I'm not bitter

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    I normally fill up my other cars at about 1/4 full but I wanted to get a reading on the mileage on the truck. Went out this morning to Costco to fill up and it took 16.5 gals so my light comes on with 2 gals left. I figured that gave me about 300 miles per full tank. I had a '92 Toyota 4X4 manual transmission that gave me better than that after 200K miles so I'll be looking into any way to make improvements. Still, I won't be doing any long distance driving in this. This will be my local hauler.
     
  9. May 8, 2012 at 7:20 PM
    #9
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    FWIW at 1/4 tank I am usually at 300 miles driven.

    Try using cruise control as much as possible, obviously only when it's safe.

    I use it almost 80% I'm driving.
     
  10. May 8, 2012 at 7:21 PM
    #10
    jjew18

    jjew18 the Nightman cometh!

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    Added extra awesomeness to its original awesomeness.
    Approx. 2 gallons.
     
  11. May 8, 2012 at 7:24 PM
    #11
    Taco me elmo

    Taco me elmo Here, Eat some paint. Drink some Bleach.

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    yes but are you a 2.7 4 cyl or a 3.4 v6?

    I drive like a stole it with a lift and larger tires and get 260 before my light comes on. or like 16-18 mpg.

    The 4cyl ones get an average 5 mpg better.

    I usually fill up at 1/4 tank or less.
     
  12. May 8, 2012 at 7:37 PM
    #12
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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  13. May 8, 2012 at 9:28 PM
    #13
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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    My light comes on when I have about 2 gallons remaining.

    260 miles on 16 gals of non-winter formula gas sounds low. I get about 20MPG on non-winter gas and about 17MPG on the winter garbage, for an overall average of about 18-19MPG or ~300 miles before the light comes on.
     
  14. May 8, 2012 at 11:15 PM
    #14
    ffirg

    ffirg Well-Known Member

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    I believe its 2 gallons left when the light comes on. And FWIW, I get 230 miles before my light comes on...which has been right around 15mpg the last few tanks. It sucks.
     
  15. May 8, 2012 at 11:46 PM
    #15
    htuong95

    htuong95 Have a nice day

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    I get at least 300 miles before my light comes on. Base on my receipt at the gas station, two gallons left in the tank sounds about right.
     
  16. May 9, 2012 at 12:27 AM
    #16
    n0ms

    n0ms Well-Known Member

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    Mmm 2 gallons seems around the area think a little more.
    I've driven the needle down below the top line in the letter E . Was not fun driving home at 2am on the freeway .Think I just made it don't home, don't know if I imagined the truck being sluggish.
    Next morning I changed the fuel filter and transfered gas from my motorcycle
     
  17. May 9, 2012 at 4:54 AM
    #17
    Stoic

    Stoic [OP] But I'm not bitter

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  18. May 9, 2012 at 5:53 AM
    #18
    Gooch

    Gooch Well-Known Member

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    On my 2000 I have about 2-3 gallons left when the light comes on.
     
  19. May 10, 2012 at 9:10 AM
    #19
    cruxofthebisquit

    cruxofthebisquit Well-Known Member

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    OME and worth every penny.
    I too, have about 2 gals. left after the light. Usually at 240-250 miles. i wish I got some of you guys mileage. 3.4,5-spd. lifted. I usually avg. 15-16 hwy. I drive 80-85mph.
     
  20. May 10, 2012 at 11:39 AM
    #20
    tan4x4

    tan4x4 Well-Known Member

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    You wish you did? Then why are you driving 85mph? :confused:
    Try 65mph. Huge difference in mileage, especially in a pickup or suv. :)
     

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