26 gallons until low fuel light

So I got lucky today as I pulled into the gas station to fill up, the low fuel light came on just as I entered the station. I filled up the tank and got 26.013 gallons to first click.

The manual states 32.2 gal capacity so it looks like we've got 6.2 gal more, or approx 90 miles more (using 15mpg).

 

Yes

 

From wastegates, to tow hooks, to "Eco" vs "Normal" mode. NOW THIS! Toyota is on shakey ground (from earthquakes) again.

 

Lol. My 26 gallon tank triggers the light with 6 gallons left as well. Its very hard to trust it

 

lol, I'm not complaining, just noting it for others. I'm coming from a time before large fuel tanks, a time when I was filling up 2 or 3x per week was the norm.

 

Pretty much the same as the 36 gal tank on the outgoing model. I'd generally put 30gal in my tank when the light came on. My experience with the '22 has been the same as yours. 26 gal fill-up when the light comes on. I don't see that as an issue personally.

 

I have a 2014 1794. My low fuel light comes on at about 19 to 19.5 gallons used of a 26.4 gallon capacity. It should come on around 22.4 used according to the manual. This happens regularly. The Toyota representative for Florida told me that Toyota didn't want the fuel pump uncovered. You can draw your own conclusions but it sounds as if this "fudging the numbers" is still the case. I posted this here because I am going to get another (2023) 1794 when they fix the bugs. For what it's worth, the only thing that has gone wrong with my truck is all 4 automatic door locks which the extended warranty covered for about $1800. 97000 miles total.

 

Same, not an issue to me, quite the opposite. I guess most ppl on this forum are already used to the larger fuel tanks. With the increased mpg and larger tank I'm happy I'm no longer planning when to hit the local costco gas station.

 

For those of you that may think this is another issue, it is not. It is designed that way just like it is in nearly every newer model vehicle from every company. It is a fuel reserve meant to accomplish multiple things. Providing you with an early warning that allows you to make it to a gas station without running out of fuel (hopefully you pay attention). It is also there so you don't burn your fuel pump out trying to push the envelope. The fuel in your tank is what cools the fuel pump. If they made it so the light came on when you were legitimately nearly out of fuel, your fuel pump wouldn't last long. The amount of fuel in reserve is based on the tank shape and average mpg your vehicle can go, and in the case of trucks, they take towing into consideration. Completely normal and by design.

 

I see the light coming on a random amounts remaining. I'll be wary of how much I would trust that light in a real moment of need. Fortunately, I've never been there!

 

Toyota is the only truck I've driven that does this. Ram and Ford if you drive it to the fuel light you'll have 2-3 gallons left, and if you take it to E you'll be out of fuel - unlike the Tundra where you'll still have 100-150 miles even if the gauge is on E.

 

I figured this was why. Seeing the shape of the tank makes sense.

 

I understand that the light is there to prevent burning up the pump among other things. That makes sense. Still, if the manual says that it should come on with about 4 gallons remaining, then I would expect it to do so +/- a reasonable tolerance (say 10%). When it comes on with 7.4 to 6.9 gallons remaining, I think that is too far off. Also, in my truck, at 1/2 tank showing, I've only used 10 gallons and not 13. I have an hour or 2 in airplanes and I guess that has made me pickier about limits on gauges.

 

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, ..... and again, yes.

Oh, these first world problems!!!

Don't mind me, just get the hell off my lawn!!

 

Your non complaint has been noted by the complaint department. An over the air update will change the standard reserve to 10 gallons.

 

Interesting, just looked at quite a few posts where they're talking about the same thing the OP is. Not saying your experience isn't true, but there seems to be quite a few Ford and Ram owners with 40-80 miles left after the light comes on.

 

When the light comes on absolutely - but when the Tundra light comes on you have 200-250 miles left to go in reality. The distance to empty in the cluster may say 60 miles, but in reality its significantly more in a Tundra.

 

I think your math is off unless guys are getting 40mpg. The tank is 32 gallons. They're filling up at the light at 26-27 gallons. That leaves 5-6 in reserve. That's 60-100 miles.

 

jesus christ this was meant to be an informative thread for ppl like me who came from older trucks or new ppl looking for info.

now we have clowns, ppl with bad math and big 3 comparisons giving their 2 cent. piggy bank is full in this one, no more donations.

 

I think it is because this issue has been beat to death already.

 

I rarely let mine get below 1/4 of a tank. Mainly because the place I typically gas up will only let you buy $75 worth per card run.

 

I'm sure the computer takes into consideration your driving style maybe? The light wasn't on my last fill up and it took 27.9 gallons

 

Does anyone know if this is the case? And not based on the actual fuel level in the tank?

 

It should be based on the range calculation and the tank level sensor voltage. Range = current mpg*gallons in tank. We already know the level sensor doesn’t read perfectly every time so it may be possible to have less fuel than the setting for E (which looks like it’s 26 gal). Next time you fill up try to calculate the fuel available by dividing range by mpg. Gallons until empty = Full Range/mpg

 

My range has slowly increased with fill up, going from 460ish in the beginning to 485-496 after ~6500 miles.

 

I’ve just picked up Friday. Today I got to empty just….because with 2 miles left. I clicked and clicked and clicked to squeeze another two gallons in after first shut off and still only managed to get 29.6 gallons delivered…so guess I have the large 32 gallon tank and also don’t need to panic a ‘0’ miles left like I did in my Land Rover Defender as I still have circa 4 gallons left. Good to know as I drive i10 a LOT!

 

Just a heads up, forcing more gas into your truck after the fist click can cause the EVAP canister to fill with gas, eventually causing them to fail.

 

I did not know that thank you. I held it right at the tip to fill too. :-(

 

Yeah, not advised with modern vehicles. Best to stop after the first click.