07 4Runner thinks that tank is only 20.5 gallons

[trelony]

It is first time I have a car with such problem. When computer tells that there is 0 miles left to the end of my tank and the gauge goes below 0, there is still supposed to be about 2.5 gallons of gas - last time I passed zero I could put only 20.6 gallons. Is it a common problem?

- Alexey.

 

[eskimochaos]

It is first time I have a car with such problem. When computer tells that there is 0 miles left to the end of my tank and the gauge goes below 0, there is still supposed to be about 2.5 gallons of gas - last time I passed zero I could put only 20.6 gallons. Is it a common problem?

- Alexey.

First of all its an awful idea to run it that low, secondly the fuel gauge is not EXACT

 

[Uneek]

The "reserve" portion of the fuel tank isn't reflected in fuel gauge level even at empty. I recall a member said they got 24 or 25 gallons in before, but that's with fuel in the fill tube up to the filler neck. What Toyota reports as 23.5 gallons is the overall total capacity of the tank including the "reserve" portion.

Running it that low isn't good for the longevity of the fuel pump. When it's submerged in gas it helps keep it cool.

 

[trelony]

I guess I am getting old... I remember times when reserve was 0.5 gallons and one was supposed to look for a gas station when a low gas light is on. Now there is a reserve over reserve (over reserve...?). Since what times 3 gallons is too low? It is more than 60 miles to drive. Anyway, if it is a "feature" of new cars, then it is...

- Alexey.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

We have the Paris Hilton school of common sense in our society today.:bash: It's that brain train that brings us things like reserves over reserves, seatbelt dingers that don't shut-up, the inability to lock the keys in the ignition, leave the lights on etc. Some of the nanny features I like (not being able to lock the doors with the keys in the ignition for example). It

 

[TechWrench]

I guess I am getting old... I remember times when reserve was 0.5 gallons and one was supposed to look for a gas station when a low gas light is on. Now there is a reserve over reserve (over reserve...?). Since what times 3 gallons is too low? It is more than 60 miles to drive. Anyway, if it is a "feature" of new cars, then it is...

- Alexey.

With the high pressure fuel pumps in todays FI systems, it is not a good idea to let the vehicle run out of gas. With the way the tank fuel pick-up works, you can't drain every drop out of the tank, before the engine quits, so why would you want to push it that far if you didn't have to. Maybe I'm too old fashioned, but I would much rather drive into a gas station with 1/4 -1/8 of a tank than have to WALK to one carrying an empty gas can.