Fuel tank oddity, thoughts?

[SST221]

So I went to fill up the other day, seems normal enough, however once the gallons got to the 16 range I exepected the nozzle to kick off and well it didnt? 16....17....18 then click 18.2 gallons. Ive done lots of reading on fuel milage, capacity, etc in the past so I know this is well, strange. Being that I live in California and the dollars was in the 80 range I just pulled my pants up and was on my way. So if that wasnt strange enough I usually get between 60-75 miles by the time my gauge reads down to 3/4 full. I am now at 105 miles and just at the 3/4 mark? Just thought I would throw this out there to see if any on else has had a similar experiance. And oh ya my fuel light had just come on so there was some fuel in the tank. I will report back when my fuel light comes on again with the milage at that point.

 

[audiness]

So I went to fill up the other day, seems normal enough, however once the gallons got to the 16 range I exepected the nozzle to kick off and well it didnt? 16....17....18 then click 18.2 gallons. Ive done lots of reading on fuel milage, capacity, etc in the past so I know this is well, strange. Being that I live in California and the dollars was in the 80 range I just pulled my pants up and was on my way. So if that wasnt strange enough I usually get between 60-75 miles by the time my gauge reads down to 3/4 full. I am now at 105 miles and just at the 3/4 mark? Just thought I would throw this out there to see if any on else has had a similar experiance. And oh ya my fuel light had just come on so there was some fuel in the tank. I will report back when my fuel light comes on again with the milage at that point.

i have found that the fuel gauge in my 4runner is probably the most inaccurate of any vehicle that I have ever owned.

 

[HCurphy]

yeah. I actually took a picture at the pump the other day because I had almost this exact same experience. Put in 18.2. That's the most I've ever put in, and it was on the second click of the pump. Just like I do everytime.

Although, I was running on fumes...had it cut out for a second turning the corner into the gas station.

 

[4R99JB]

Bad news, summer is over...Good news, cooler fuel is denser. Driving habits aside, we all should experience a little better fuel economy in the cooler months. Shouldn't be anything drastic though. My $0.02:lookout:

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

A great tool: a quick Google search. There's at least 50 threads exactly like this one that yield a plethora of answers.

Yes, these trucks don't have particularly great fuel gauges. There are a few ways to fix it. For 99-00 trucks, the main method involves replacement of the fuel sender unit with that of a newer, revised version. This also requires a new motherboard for the back of the gauge cluster.

That, or just get used to it... I wouldn't say it's really all that bad. I dealt with mine for a long time until the gauge just plain stopped working.

 

[tek9]

I ended up getting ultragauge for my '96. Calibrated it and I'm not freaking out anymore once the fuel reserve light kicks in.

 

[theizzardking]

just keep the tank full above the 1/4 tank mark....better for fuel filter anyways....

 

[etc.]

just keep the tank full above the 1/4 tank mark....better for fuel filter anyways....

I'd be more concerned about the fuel pump