Fuel gauge question

[ron in sc]

I have read a couple lenghty threads about fuel gauge actual fuel left in tank. I just want to confirm that based on what my vehicle is showing on gauge and miles remaining is what I think it is.

1-light came on when needle was barely touching last hash mark on the gauge.
2-Light had come on at about 25-30 miles showing on the digital range display on the top of dash.
3-filled with gas when 20 miles showed on the digital display.
4-needle gauge had move a very slight amount more but not over the last hash mark.
5-digitial miles per gallon displayed 19.4 mpg.
6-I was able to get 21.159 gallons into tank.

So basic on what I've read that means I have approx. 2 gallons of gas in tank when the fuel needle gauge is barely touching last hash mark.

And digital mileage remain display shows 25 miles remaining I can go about 40 more miles, assuming digital display shows 19.4 mpg.

Is my thinking right on this?

 

[Qjake]

Sounds about right but personally I think you are over thinking it. Keep it simple, when the idiot light comes on put gas in the tank. :thumb3:

 

[Jaker]

What I've found is that when the range shows "zero," I have 2 gallons left in the tank. I normally fill at about the 1/4 tank mark, but I wanted to test out the fuel computer and "idiot" light.

Pretty much every car I've owned, the idiot light comes on at approximately 2 gallons remaining.

 

[rebelbowtie]

Fuel pumps are generally cooled by the fuel, running it low enough that the light comes on is generally thought as a bad idea.

 

[tjnaples]

I normally fill at about the 1/4 tank mark

Me too.

 

[Barry694]

Fuel light

Have owned many Toyotas and when the fuel light comes on, no matter what the miles left to zero has to say, you will have betweeen 2 to 3.5 gallons left. Got caught out in the Arizona desert at night and when the light came on we still traveled 80 miles, as most all of the small town gas stations closed at night back in the early 90's. Have had three different Lexus models and they read about the same.

 

[Bay33saw]

Around town and in my general work week I never go below half a tank, if I'm on a road trip I start looking for a gas station at 1/4 tank. Also I am a fuel snob and only put Chevron or Shell in mine.

 

[bbkhine]

keep it simple as simple as Qjake said. don't complicate yourself. I just simply fill-it-up either it shows 35miles on dash or the needle shows almost to the hash, depending on where I am at (local or highway). your did good on gas mileage! I only get 17.9 or 18.2 both highway/local since i have a heavy foot. :lookout: