fuel light coming on earler?

[Jeff_DML]

My 2018 has 85k miles and it seems like the fuel light comes on earlier nowadays. For example, When it came on today and I filled it up with a bit more than 18 gallons, so almost 5 gallons left. I know the 3.5g is approximate but I thought it use to be pretty close when it was newer. The reason I care is use when I am off-roading/road trips for reference on how bad I need to fill up.

Anybody notice the same thing and fix it somehow? guessing it just measures the level in the tank but maybe fuel filter or something.

thanks

 

[hoobhoob]

Did you perhaps crush part of your tank skid plate and indent your tank reducing capacity?

 

[Jeff_DML]

Did you perhaps crush part of your tank skid plate and indent your tank reducing capacity?

Good point, I do have some minor dents but will look if anything new.

 

[Jeff_DML]

Good point, I do have some minor dents but will look if anything new.

One decent sized one but doesnt seem gallon sized dent though. A few minor ones in the other pic. I am not sure how the sensor works so maybe the bigger one messes with it enough. It does come on and off maybe more often.

thanks

 

[Jeff_DML]

Fuel tank is plastic right? I wonder if I take off the skid and pound out the dent if the fuel tank would go back to original form.

 

[1000MPH]

I’ve got logs. The only time my light comes on early is when I’m on steep hills. 18.18 seems to be the lowest amount I’ve pumped back in when the light has come on, and that could be other factors. A couple times between 19 and 19.5 but mostly above 19.6gal.
I’ve had to pound out dents on my fuel tank skid plate several times but its never dented the tank. One of the bolts is difficult to get to unless you lift the rear onto stands.
The silver fuel tank skid plate bolts are 77644-60020 12mm

 

[5thToy]

Does the fuel light trigger based on current rolling average fuel economy to determine when to light up based on a fixed number of miles to empty?

In other words, if your current rolling average is unusually low due to say towing, extended mountain or off-road driving that average suggests needing more gas in the tank to still be able to travel say 60 fixed miles to empty.

Just a thought.

 

[Jeff_DML]

Does the fuel light trigger based on current rolling average fuel economy to determine when to light up based on a fixed number of miles to empty?

In other words, if your current rolling average is unusually low due to say towing, extended mountain or off-road driving that average suggests needing more gas in the tank to still be able to travel say 60 fixed miles to empty.

Just a thought.

Owners manual says it comes on when there are approximately 3.5 gallons left

 

[5thToy]

If that's the case then the only other thing that comes to mind is the sending unit.

 

[fkheath]

Does the fuel light trigger based on current rolling average fuel economy to determine when to light up based on a fixed number of miles to empty?

In other words, if your current rolling average is unusually low due to say towing, extended mountain or off-road driving that average suggests needing more gas in the tank to still be able to travel say 60 fixed miles to empty.

Just a thought.

It is a float. No logic to measure your driving history.

 

[1000MPH]

Ive checked my range when the light comes on and it varies between 20 and 30 miles, iirc.

 

[likorplf]

The fuel gauge works by measuring the fuel level through a sending unit inside the tank. Over time, this unit can wear out or get clogged, leading to inaccurate readings. This could be the primary culprit if the fuel light is coming on earlier than expected.

 

[Ezlife45]

I just know that my low fuel light typically comes on when the DTE or range says 20 miles to empty. I drive mostly hwy at about 21 mpg typically