Missing Low Fuel Indicator?

[Defcon888]

Hello everyone, just purchased a 2011 HL!

I've already done a search on the forum regarding the low fuel indicator and already RTFM'ed, but I can't seem to find anything regarding the HL's low fuel light!

When I start up the car, I don't see the low fuel light underneath the fuel gauge. And on my first tank of gas, I did not have the nerve to wait for the multifunction display's "distance to empty" to reach zero. I refueled when it said I had about 22 miles remaining...

Does anyone know if the light only comes on when the display's distance reaches zero?

Thanks again

[Dman1]

Originally Posted by Defcon888

Hello everyone, just purchased a 2011 HL!

I've already done a search on the forum regarding the low fuel indicator and already RTFM'ed, but I can't seem to find anything regarding the HL's low fuel light!

When I start up the car, I don't see the low fuel light underneath the fuel gauge. And on my first tank of gas, I did not have the nerve to wait for the multifunction display's "distance to empty" to reach zero. I refueled when it said I had about 22 miles remaining...

Does anyone know if the light only comes on when the display's distance reaches zero?

Thanks again

My low fuel light comes on when the MFD displays around 25km (15mi) or so until empty. You are being a bit too paranoid as you should be good for about another 50 km (30mi) beyond the 0km/0mi cruising range.

[05Moose]

All the toyota models we've owned have it coming on when you have 4 gallons left. You'll have to run it pretty low to see it. It does not come on when you turn the ignition to the "on" position like all the other warning lights.

Now I'm not sure whether the functional display is geared to tell you that distance to zero is at that 4 gallon mark. Since it said you had 22 miles to empty, you should be able to figure that out. Knowing the size of the tank, how many gallons did you put in it? Was it within 4 gallons of the tank size?

[Zembonez]

If you really want to test it, put a couple of gallons in a gas can (for insurance) and run it down to zero. The light should be on and you'll know you can do it if it's ever necessary... all without worry over being stranded.

[sweeneyp]

I tend to run my highlander down to empty before i refuel it. My light will come on when the computer says about 20 miles left. I typically refuel when the computer says 0 miles left, and the fuel gauge is solidly on empty. But the funny thing is that the highlander has a 19 gallon tank, I've never put in more than 16 gallons to fill it back up in those situations. Toyota's have a very large buffer, or at least thats what ive found in my experience.

[bobert1634]

Beware, running low gas levels will wear out your fuel pump faster.

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by bobert1634

Beware, running low gas levels will wear out your fuel pump faster.

Actually that is NOT true (even though I've seen it in posted many times on forums).

As long as the fuel pump has fuel to pick up it is fine and operating 100% as designed. It is cooled and lubricated internally by the fuel it picks up and not by the fuel surrounding it. - BUT - Running a pump out of fuel repeatedly would likely shorten its service life.