[ChuckMac]

Hi. New to the forum. I found the forum as I was trying to find some information on issues with the low fuel indicator light. My new RAV 4 low fuel light does not come on until my remaining fuel range is about 14 miles left. Any insights?

The low fuel light is supposed to come on at about 2.2 gallons left. If that were the case, my range remaining would be closer to 50-60 miles left based on my current average MPG of 28+. The first time the light came on, I refilled the tank with 13.5 gallons (in a 14.5 gallon tank). After taking the vehicle to my local Toyota Service department and getting no diagnosis I went to refuel. The range remaining said 28 miles left. The indicator light was off. I refilled with 11.7 gallons. Meaning there was 2.8 gal left in the tank and it only showed a remaining range of 28 miles. Any insights would be appreciated. thanks

 

[Droid13]

The indicated remaining range does NOT include the tank's reserve. Your situation sounds normal.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

It is a very bad practice to run your RAV fuel level down until the fuel light warning comes on. The inside the tank low pressure fuel pump requires constant fuel to cool and lubricate it . If the level is very low and the fuel sloshes around that pump can run dry and suffer damage. Also any crud or debris in the bottom of the tank will get sucked into the pump and clog up the strainers and filter and possibly the injectors.

 

[ChuckMac]

The indicated remaining range does NOT include the tank's reserve. Your situation sounds normal.

Thanks. Every other car I've driven over 20+ years, the remaining tank has been included. That is why this is different and 'abnormal' to me. I appreciate the insight if the technology and engineering has changed.

 

[ChuckMac]

It is a very bad practice to run your RAV fuel level down until the fuel light warning comes on. The inside the tank low pressure fuel pump requires constant fuel to cool and lubricate it . If the level is very low and the fuel sloshes around that pump can run dry and suffer damage. Also any crud or debris in the bottom of the tank will get sucked into the pump and clog up the strainers and filter and possibly the injectors.

I fully understand the multiple inputs that it is bad to run the tank low. No argument at all. My point is that the equipment is not operating as I have experienced in every other vehicle owned and rented whereby the light would come on when there is still a couple gallons left in the tank.

 

[Droid13]

Thanks. Every other car I've driven over 20+ years, the remaining tank has been included. That is why this is different and 'abnormal' to me. I appreciate the insight if the technology and engineering has changed.

Not sure about other manufacturers lately since I have mainly been driving Toyota and Lexus over the last 20 yrs myself, but in Toyota land not including the reserve in the estimated range has been standard practice as long as I can remember. They would not want to encourage drivers to casually think it is fine to head to that gas station 5 miles away with only a few ounces of fuel left in the tank. I did have a Chevy in the 90s, when the low fuel light went on, they meant it, 5 miles tops before dry. 50 miles in a Toyota.