Gas tank capacity less than 23 gallons

[geenowalker]

I have a 2005 t4r sr5 that continuously gets 16-17 MPG. I record every tank via odometer and calculate the gas during fillup. However....my range has been only 335 - 340 on the range meter, and I only get 265 actual out of a tank before filling up. When I do the math, I am almost at 0 on the range, but the tank will only take 14-16 gallons at fillup. I am still calculating 16-17 mpg. This tank is supposed to hold 23 WTF. Is the range really off by that much? Is the capacity really not 23 gallons as said in the manual. If I ran the tank dry, will I reset the calculator/needle and will I cause any damage by running dry.

 

[LTDSC]

i believe its 21 with 2 for reserve.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I can verify it is indeed 23 gallons as I have run the tank down to about 22.3g before and I regularly fill up at about 19~21g.

The onboard mpg computer is a fickle and often inaccurate thing. I and other members have spent a few threads/post theorizing what exactly it's parameters are, but in the end we really haven't pinned it down. The onboard computer seems to "run out" (i.e. turn Zero) around 19~20g, though some people may have it run out a bit earlier.

 

[Drunner97]

I can verify it is indeed 23 gallons as I have run the tank down to about 22.3g before and I regularly fill up at about 19~21g.

The onboard mpg computer is a fickle and often inaccurate thing. I and other members have spent a few threads/post theorizing what exactly it's parameters are, but in the end we really haven't pinned it down. The onboard computer seems to "run out" (i.e. turn Zero) around 19~20g, though some people may have it run out a bit earlier.

^ This. My fuel light usually comes on around 19g and the range meter is generally RIGHT around 0 +/- 5-10 miles so it leaves 3-4 gals to play with to get to a gas station. I'm sure most of us wouldn't dare run our tank dry, but that doesn't mean the rest of the sheeple in this day and age that rely solely on electric nannies pay attention enough. If the range meter was actually correct, I'd imagine you'd see a lot more cars on the side of the road from people "pushing" it to the last drop.

 

[nevada]

I have a 2005 t4r sr5 that continuously gets 16-17 MPG. I record every tank via odometer and calculate the gas during fillup. However....my range has been only 335 - 340 on the range meter, and I only get 265 actual out of a tank before filling up. When I do the math, I am almost at 0 on the range, but the tank will only take 14-16 gallons at fillup. I am still calculating 16-17 mpg. This tank is supposed to hold 23 WTF. Is the range really off by that much? Is the capacity really not 23 gallons as said in the manual. If I ran the tank dry, will I reset the calculator/needle and will I cause any damage by running dry.

are you filling up when the range gauge says zero, or when the fuel gauge says its empty?

im still around 1/4 at 265 miles. I have no idea what the range gauge says, as I keep my meter on the outside temp setting.

 

[geenowalker]

are you filling up when the range gauge says zero, or when the fuel gauge says its empty?

im still around 1/4 at 265 miles. I have no idea what the range gauge says, as I keep my meter on the outside temp setting.

When I fill up the needle is past F and range says 390 When range hit <10 I am on or below E.

 

[nevada]

When I fill up the needle is past F and range says 390 When range hit <10 I am on or below E.

yeh, sounds like your gauge is off. probably the sending unit. which I believe is part of the pump assembly. not sure if they can be changed separately or not though...

 

[geenowalker]

yeh, sounds like your gauge is off. probably the sending unit. which I believe is part of the pump assembly. not sure if they can be changed separately or not though...

Wonder if I let it run totally down will it "reset"

 

[rooost]

Maybe take it to Kramer "E" and see if your E is really E

If only so much fits, that means there still some in it !

Just curious as to your age, you seem to put faith in the digital over the analog!
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[geenowalker]

Maybe take it to Kramer "E" and see if your E is really E

If only so much fits, that means there still some in it !

Just curious as to your age, you seem to put faith in the digital over the analog!
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old enough to cite that episode verbatim. (43) the analog is in the same spot as the digital. As I go from 380 to 10 on the digital range, the analog needle corresponds in kind. When I hit 185 on the range, the needle is at 1/2 tank. The problem is that I did not go 180 miles, I went 125. Starting to agree with above..think sending unit is shot.

 

[nevada]

Wonder if I let it run totally down will it "reset"

doubt it. but you could always throw a can of gas in the back and go for it.

 

[stratosthegreek]

Having the same issue

I've only had my 08 4runner for a little while and when it starts getting low and I fill up it only drinks about 16 gallons.

I've let it hit E flat and it only drank 18 gallons!!! This is horribly frustrating when I'm planning to do an across the US trip in it soon and I'm going to constantly worry about my fuel gauge's error.

What's fixing the sender involve? Easy?

 

[having fun]

The never ending OBC fuel guessing game. Let just say this, my first 04 t4r I bought was fresh off the lot. This same gauge stated 420 miles to mty. Within a yr later, mind you no lift or other mods to it to decrease the mileage, it would read 340 till mty.

I say your best bet and has been more than accurate other than hand calculate is, when the light comes on, your at 20 gal fill up.+/- .5 gal.

 

[dkyleb]

I've put in 87 litres before... I cringed a little bit after realizing how close I was to running out of gas.

 

[lcbjr77]

I try not to let my fuel level get too low but any time the computer said I had single digit miles left I could only put 19.5 gallons in

 

[jeffryscott]

I have only had to fill up my 4Runner three times since purchase, and each time it has taken less gas than expected. The last fill up, gauge was on E, fuel light was on and range was less than 20. Pump stopped at about 17 gallons. It is rather confusing and a challenge to really know just how much is left.

 

[Xrider237]

i wouldnt pay too much attention to the fuel range display- use your gas guage..like what was said, when the light comes on get some gas in the next 20/30 miles and you're good

 

[SSt4r]

I typically run 25 miles past 0 on the range. I tested it once until it ran out of fuel & I think I got around 45 miles below "0". On the gauge, mine goes just below the middle part of the "E". Also note I usually put in about 24 gallons (+/-) at fill up. Have put 24 1/2 numerous times.
YMMV:hello:

 

[Marfy]

Do you slow fill it after the pump shuts off from the back presure? I have patiently feathered a slow stream of gas in there after that point and fit an additional 9 litres in there. So maybe it isn't actually full?

 

[SSt4r]

^ What he said. I get a pretty consistent 2 additional gallons in (slowly) after it shuts off the 1st time.