I'm an idiot - ran out of gas

Today I pushed my Tacoma to the max out of pure laziness and ran out of gas. I had three warnings come on. High transmission fluid temperature, check charging system, and something else I can't remember. Then my truck just shut off. I put a gallon into the tank then drove and filled the rest of the way up. Probably about 5 miles round trip.

Did I do any damage? Possibly the fuel pump? Would I know immediately if damage occurred?

 

I wouldn't think so if it happened once. I mean, I don't think premature shut off due to a lack of fuel is a good thing, but as far as damage is concerned with a one-off, I wouldn't think twice about it.

 

The real question though... how many miles did you get after your fuel light came on?

 

Probably around 30-40 miles after hitting "0 miles to empty" lol

 

I’ve been there! I think as long as it doesn’t happen often you should be fine.

 

If it shut off abruptly, It’s likely fine. If it was sputtering to a stop that would be hard on things like the HP fuel pump. Don’t sweat it if it’s running fine now, though.

 

Yea! Give us the stats man! For science! MPG? How many total miles? How far did you go after the fuel light came on? How many gallons did it take to fill her back up?

 

Running it out of fuel is fine, but keep in mind that the fuel pump is cooled by the fuel, so doing it alot can lead to fuel pump failure.

 

Good to know! Definitely "won't" be putting that to the test at all

 

Out here doin God's work

 

This.

Also, depending on how hot it is where you live, you shouldn't run the tank to empty or near it. Fuel keeps the pump cool (this of course is assuming it's in the tank - on my mustangs they were, and we'd burn them up pretty quick during hot summers if we were putting small amounts of fuel in to run at the track).

Yes, I used to own mustangs. I never ran anybody over leaving a parking lot though so let's just nip that in the butt right now.

 

Were you trying to beat Kramer’s record? (Seinfeld reference)

 

I’m at 5 miles to empty right now and was freaking out a little bit. I feel better now. Thanks!

 

This is why we have so many nanny features.

 

https://gfycat.com/unpleasantcelebratedharpseal

 

There is a club for people like this
https://kroq.radio.com/tag/zero-club

 

Thx for sharing your research! Always good to know.

 

I was driving one day and at the 5 miles to empty got a little nervous as I didnt know the area I was in. I hit the 1 mile to empty and was worried. Finally found the station, but an extra 40 after the zero though? Good to know.

 

The other warning lights prob not related to running out of gas other than the engine shutting off. Should be fine once you gas up

 

I've put 20.1 gallons into our 21.1 gallon tanks before. I've noticed it'll say 0 miles left with at least 2 gallons left in the tank. We should really compile some science on this!