Low Gas light comes on way too early
#1
Low Gas light comes on way too early
The gas indicator light comes on pretty early since every time I fill up after doing 20 miles or so with the low gas light on, I can put about 15 gallons in the car, but isn;t the tank 19-20 gallons in the 2004 RX330??? I feel that my indicator light is coming on too early, and there is still 5 gallons left, and it should come on when there is 2-3 gallons left. Do anyone have this problem?? Is the indicator need to be recalibrated or so??
#2
Lead Lap
Normal
I believe that what you are seeing is very normal for Toyota/Lexus vehicles. My '85 Corolla GTS low fuel light used to come on with 3/8 of a tank left. I could drive another 80-100 miles with the light on. When it burned out, I never bothered to replace it. My '94 GS300 shows below empty with the low fuel light on and I can only get 16.1 gallons in. I think that tank is supposed to be 21.9 gallons or so.
#3
Pole Position
I can't speak to the new RX330 but my MY2000 RX300 AWD has the same issues. I have a measly 17.5 gallon tank and the light goes on with 3.5 to 4.0 gallons left in the tank. Kind of annoying but I've gotten used to it.
Just be glad you have the bigger tank
Just be glad you have the bigger tank
#7
Lexus Test Driver
I feel your pain, as personally, I want the 'low fuel' light to mean "start looking for fuel...*NOW*!" On my wife's 2002, the light comes on with a good 3.5-4 gallons left, and thanks to being in Moronegon, where you are not allowed to pump your own gasoline, there tends to be a large air pocket in the top of the tank. I've put another 3 gallons in, after the pump jockey puts the handle back, so....
At least on the RX, the gauge is dead-on accurate, and having say, 5 gallons left isn't sometimes having the gauge read 'empty', and other times it's 1/2 a tank. You might be able to tell, I've owned some large GM sedans in the past... When the gauge stops moving, *then* it's empty.
You might be able to 'adjust' at which point the light comes on, as it's likely not tied directly to the gauge, but rather, it is a liquid-detecting sensor, which, when dry, causes the light to illuminate. I have one on my 1991 Honda ST1100 motorcycle, and I was sick of the light coming on with like 2 gallons left, and I relocated it so when it was on, I was close to walking. The light being on = 1/2 a gallon left, which was more reasonable with a machine getting about 40 MPG...usually.
Kelly B
'02 AWD, has everything but the trailer hitch...wife's ride
'95 Intrepid ES, 3.5L, an *excellent* beater and a damned nice hand-me-down (was wife's car)
'99 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX+, dedicated 'toad' and one seriously depreciating POS
At least on the RX, the gauge is dead-on accurate, and having say, 5 gallons left isn't sometimes having the gauge read 'empty', and other times it's 1/2 a tank. You might be able to tell, I've owned some large GM sedans in the past... When the gauge stops moving, *then* it's empty.
You might be able to 'adjust' at which point the light comes on, as it's likely not tied directly to the gauge, but rather, it is a liquid-detecting sensor, which, when dry, causes the light to illuminate. I have one on my 1991 Honda ST1100 motorcycle, and I was sick of the light coming on with like 2 gallons left, and I relocated it so when it was on, I was close to walking. The light being on = 1/2 a gallon left, which was more reasonable with a machine getting about 40 MPG...usually.
Kelly B
'02 AWD, has everything but the trailer hitch...wife's ride
'95 Intrepid ES, 3.5L, an *excellent* beater and a damned nice hand-me-down (was wife's car)
'99 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX+, dedicated 'toad' and one seriously depreciating POS
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