4Runner ran out of gas with 68 miles to empty

[TannerW]

On three different occasions I have ran out of gas before my range hits 0. The first time I had 20 miles then the second I had 40 and then tonight I had 60. I’ve done some research on here and nobody else seems to have this problem. If anyone has any information to point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Elan750]

I had the exact situation. I ALways ran it to around 10 miles left. One day I ran it to zero, filled up without running dry. then ran out around 20!. THen around 30! Never figured it out, but made it a point to never go below 1/4 tank. SInce then ive been getting a little more daring, but still havent gone under 40 miles till empty. - MY wifes face when I ran out of gas with the kids on the highway is enough to stay above 1/4 tank

MY fear is we did some damage to the fuel pump and its just weaker. I dont know.

WHen I fill it at 45 miles left, the pump says I had about 3 gallons left, but im not chancing it.

 

[Elan750]

heres my post from last year:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/246935-fuel-mileage-estimation-problem.html

 

[Soneill]

On three different occasions I have ran out of gas before my range hits 0. The first time I had 20 miles then the second I had 40 and then tonight I had 60. I’ve done some research on here and nobody else seems to have this problem. If anyone has any information to point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I can help you out!!!! So you most likely have a bad fuel level sensor. But first you can try to recalibrate your fuel level sender. Check out this link.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/250923-fuel-gauge-calibration.html
I ran out of gas in my 5th gen twice. Once it said 1/8 of a tank and the next time 1/4. I replaced the level sensor and now I have the correct reading.

 

[4Runner fun]

Do you reset everything with every fill up? If not and this tank is wildly worse fuel mileage yet the miles to empty may be figuring your total mileage rather than just this tank. Also are you just relying on the miles to empty as your gauge? Is your gauge relatively accurate. "Meaning don't rely only on the miles to empty as your only source"

My chevy diesel gets to about 30 miles or so and actually will not give you numbers that low, it displays fuel range "Low". maybe so as not to give you a false sense of range.??

 

[TannerW]

Do you reset everything with every fill up? If not and this tank is wildly worse fuel mileage yet the miles to empty may be figuring your total mileage rather than just this tank. Also are you just relying on the miles to empty as your gauge? Is your gauge relatively accurate. "Meaning don't rely only on the miles to empty as your only source"

My chevy diesel gets to about 30 miles or so and actually will not give you numbers that low, it displays fuel range "Low". maybe so as not to give you a false sense of range.??

My gauge never is on the E mark it’s been either above the quarter mark or slightly below it. When you say reset are you talking about the rest button by the miles to empty gauge? If so the yes I do it after I feel up.

 

[TannerW]

I can help you out!!!! So you most likely have a bad fuel level sensor. But first you can try to recalibrate your fuel level sender. Check out this link.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/250923-fuel-gauge-calibration.html
I ran out of gas in my 5th gen twice. Once it said 1/8 of a tank and the next time 1/4. I replaced the level sensor and now I have the correct reading.

Thank you! I will look into doing this.

 

[TannerW]

I had the exact situation. I ALways ran it to around 10 miles left. One day I ran it to zero, filled up without running dry. then ran out around 20!. THen around 30! Never figured it out, but made it a point to never go below 1/4 tank. SInce then ive been getting a little more daring, but still havent gone under 40 miles till empty. - MY wifes face when I ran out of gas with the kids on the highway is enough to stay above 1/4 tank

MY fear is we did some damage to the fuel pump and its just weaker. I dont know.

WHen I fill it at 45 miles left, the pump says I had about 3 gallons left, but im not chancing it.

Luckily the places I have ran out I have been able to get someone to bring me gas relatively easy. I just don’t want to run out when I’m out of town or in a bad spot in traffic! I bet your wife was not happy!! LOL

 

[run4lander]

Fool me once shame on you ...

 

[wcjeep]

Running low and running out of fuel can suck contamints and water into the fuel filter causing other problems.